“Regret” – Alone Chapter 116 Summary & 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
Still living alone in her small town, Maddie spends chapter 116 wrestling with regret over how she treated her family before they vanished. She recalls stiffening when her mother tried to kiss her good night and opting to sulk in her room instead of joining her dad and Jennifer for movie nights. Now she would give anything just to see their faces again. Her thoughts also turn to Elliott, whose handwriting she imagines “singing into the emptiness of her heart.” She remembers a nine-year-old Elliott once observed that she “has to keep herself company and give herself pep talks.” Maddie connects that advice to the story of Karana from Island of the Blue Dolphins, who survived alone for eighteen years and was rescued with pride, not as a victim. Scolding herself by her full name (Madeleine Albright Harrison), Maddie decides to stop feeling sorry for herself. She startles her dog George, then tucks Elliott’s book report into her parka pocket and resolves to enjoy the beautiful day.
Key Events
- Maddie’s mind spins with memories of being rude to her stepparents and avoiding family time.
- She expresses shame and a desire to see, hear, and touch her loved ones.
- She remembers Elliott’s young voice and realizes he was right: she must keep herself company and give herself pep talks.
- She draws strength from the example of Karana (from Island of the Blue Dolphins), who was rescued after eighteen years alone and walked proudly to meet her rescuers.
- Maddie gives herself a firm pep talk using her full name, telling herself to stop being pathetic.
- She startles George, who was dozing on the rug.
- She folds Elliott’s book report and tucks it into her parka pocket before heading outside.
Character Development
Maddie – This chapter shows Maddie moving from regret and self-pity toward active self-encouragement. Her full name, Madeleine Albright Harrison, becomes a source of identity and pride; she invokes it to remind herself of her namesake’s strength. By choosing to emulate Karana’s triumphant survival rather than wallow in loneliness, Maddie demonstrates growth in resilience and self-reliance.
George – The dog is a quiet but present companion. His startled reaction to Maddie’s sudden pep talk reminds readers that he shares her solitude and responds to her emotional state.
Elliott – Though absent, Elliott’s childhood words continue to guide Maddie. The book report he wrote years ago becomes a physical token of connection and wisdom.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Regret and Lost Time – Maddie’s guilty memories of pushing away family highlight the theme that relationships cannot be taken for granted. The isolation of her current life forces her to confront the emotional distance she once created.
Self-Reliance and Inner Strength – Maddie explicitly rejects victimhood. By channeling Karana and her own presidential namesake, she reinforces the idea that survival requires mental discipline and a refusal to give in to despair.
Objects as Anchors – Elliott’s book report, tucked into her parka, serves as a tangible link to the past and a reminder of the wisdom that came from a child. It helps Maddie realign her mindset.
The Example of Karana – The reference to Island of the Blue Dolphins works as a motif of hopeful endurance. Maddie uses it to frame her own struggle as survivable and dignified.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 116 marks a turning point in Maddie’s emotional arc. Rather than remaining stuck in longing and regret, she actively chooses to pull herself together. The chapter connects her personal growth to the broader theme of resilience that runs through the novel. It also deepens the reader’s understanding of Maddie’s backstory with her family, making her isolation feel more poignant. The mention of Elliott’s book report ties back to earlier events and shows how past relationships continue to shape Maddie’s present decisions.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What specific memories fuel Maddie’s regret in this chapter?
She remembers stiffening when her mother tried to kiss her good night and sulking in her room instead of joining Dad and Jennifer for movie nights. She also recalls being rude to her stepparents in general.
2. How does the story of Karana from Island of the Blue Dolphins influence Maddie’s mindset?
Maddie recalls that Karana survived alone for eighteen years and was rescued with pride, wearing her best dress and jewelry, not as a victim. This example inspires Maddie to stop feeling sorry for herself and to face her situation with dignity.
3. Why does Maddie use her full name—Madeleine Albright Harrison—when giving herself a pep talk?
Her full name connects her to Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. secretary of state, a figure of strength and achievement. By invoking that name, Maddie reminds herself of the resilience and leadership she aspires to embody.