Jacob Have I Loved

Louise’s resentment towards Caroline grows, even as they continue to exist in close proximity. Louise comes home from crabbing covered in dirt and sweat, and Caroline’s remark on her dirty fingernails sends Louise into a “wounded rage” (73) that amounts to hatred. Louise repeatedly dreams of Caroline’s death, and occasionally of killing her with her own hands. Her Methodist upbringing dictates that hate is tantamount to murder, causing Louise to fear for her soul. She searches the Bible for examples of God’s forgiveness, even as she resents the injustice of her position. The only place she feels any peace is on the water, and she makes plans to increase her crab catch over the summer to by saving money to attend boarding school on the mainland. In leaving the island, Louise imagines that she will also be able to escape her religious and emotional conflicts.

In the meantime, Louise enters a lyrics competition with a cash prize. She writes a song and shares it with Call, who is unappreciative. His lack of support injures her pride, but after a week she gathers her courage to mail in her entry. News of the war continues to dominate the papers.