43 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Alicia describes hitting the road, embracing her philosophy of evading life’s challenges, and taking residence in random hotel rooms while the Kid performed his shows for her. In this chapter, the incestuous relationship between Alicia and Bobby is unveiled. She discloses that they began dating after her graduation, frequenting bars for dancing where they pretended to be a married couple. Alicia admits to her earnest desire to marry Bobby, disregarding societal taboos surrounding incest. Despite sharing two kisses, Bobby recoils in shame, pushing her away. Alicia, envisioning a future together, encourages him to date other girls in the hope that he will eventually recognize his love for her. However, she crosses a boundary by telling him about a dream in which the two have sex. Bobby sternly advises her not to speak of such matters again.
In the concluding chapter, Alicia discloses her history of self-harm, detailing how she used to engage in cutting herself, driven by an enigmatic guilt, possibly related to incestuous feelings toward her brother. The Kid has departed, and Alicia expresses a longing for his presence, acknowledging that he helped keep her suicidal thoughts at bay. She shares moments of lucidity when her feelings of dread and destruction temporarily dissipate, usually late at night, only to resurface later.
Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By Cormac McCarthy
American Literature
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Grief
View Collection
Mental Illness
View Collection
Mortality & Death
View Collection
Music
View Collection
New York Times Best Sellers
View Collection
Philosophy, Logic, & Ethics
View Collection
Psychological Fiction
View Collection
Psychology
View Collection