Chapter 109: 107. Misgivings – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
In this brief chapter, Maddie overhears looters say they “had to get to the border.” This statement triggers a series of unsettling thoughts. She wonders which border they mean and whether she is truly the only person left in the entire western United States. Faced with that possibility, she considers leaving Millerville, taking the car, and driving east as far as the gas will take her, hoping to find other people who have also been left behind. Yet she hesitates, acknowledging that she cannot be certain there is anyone out there to find. Even if there are survivors, she fears they may be dangerous criminals or “a psycho kitten killer.” The chapter ends with her wishing she could be sure she would survive such a journey.
Key Events
- Maddie overhears looters discussing the need to reach a border.
- She questions whether she is the only person in the western United States.
- She contemplates leaving Millerville and driving east to search for other survivors.
- She acknowledges her fear of encountering dangerous or cruel people.
- She expresses doubt about her own survival if she ventures out.
Character Development
This chapter highlights Maddie’s growing internal conflict. She is no longer passively waiting; she is actively weighing the risks of staying versus leaving. Her desire to find others shows a glimmer of hope, but her fear of the unknown—especially the possibility of encountering malicious strangers—reveals a cautious, self-protective side. The phrase “If only” reflects her longing for certainty in a world that offers none. Maddie is becoming more aware of the difficult choices she must make, and this moment of hesitation deepens her character as someone caught between hope and fear.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Isolation: Maddie’s question about being the only person left in the western United States underscores the theme of extreme isolation. The border becomes a symbol of escape and also of the unknown.
- Fear of the Unknown: The fear of “a dangerous criminal or a psycho kitten killer” represents the broader fear that other survivors may be threats rather than allies.
- Hope vs. Despair: Maddie’s plan to drive east shows a flicker of hope, but the repeated “if only” clauses emphasize her despair and uncertainty.
- The Car as a Means of Escape: The car symbolizes mobility and the possibility of change, but its limited gas supply reminds her that escape comes with practical constraints.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 109 is a turning point in Maddie’s story. For the first time, she seriously considers leaving the relative safety of Millerville to search for other people. This decision will shape the rest of the narrative. The chapter also crystallizes the central tension of the book: the need for human connection versus the danger that other people might pose. Maddie’s misgivings set up the stakes for any future journey and deepen the reader’s understanding of her emotional state.
Study Questions and Answers
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What prompts Maddie to consider leaving Millerville?
She overhears looters say they need to get to the border, which makes her question whether she is truly alone in the region. This leads her to think that other towns might have survivors. -
What fears hold Maddie back from leaving?
She is unsure if there are other survivors to find, and she fears that any person she meets could be a dangerous criminal or someone capable of harming animals (like a “psycho kitten killer”). -
What does the repetition of “If only” suggest about Maddie’s state of mind?
It shows her longing for certainty and safety. She wishes she could be sure of finding help and surviving, but she knows she cannot be; the repetition emphasizes her hesitation and the weight of the decision.