Trainspotting

Chapter 37 introduces a major shift and seems to deliver on the promise of impending change following Matty’s funeral. Narrated by Mark, the chapter shows him clean, in a suit and tie, in London. He appears to be leading a normal nine-to-five life there now: He’s finally conformed to the society that he thought he was simply incapable of conforming to.

A woman offers him a joint, and he refuses it. It seems that Mark may have kicked his addiction for good. Toward the end of the chapter, he reflects on Kelly, who is now back in Scotland. He misses her. Although clean, he doesn’t seem happy. He asserts that the drug scene was getting boring, and his new life is a different kind of boring.

The next chapter shifts to Kelly’s point of view and narration. She is working at a pub in Scotland and missing Mark. She is enrolled in university and spending her work shift thinking about a philosophy paper she has to write. Rowdy patrons arrive. They are drunk, loud, sexist, and rude. While Kelly is used to such treatment, tonight she takes a stand—albeit quietly.