Beyond That, the Sea Chapter 86 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
On a snowy Sunday morning, Gerald Gregory arrives early at his mother’s house to shovel the front walk and make coffee. While reading the newspaper, he reflects on the summer he spent in Baltimore with his girlfriend Linda, who is deeply involved in civil rights work. Though initially hesitant to join her, Gerald eventually traveled south and found the experience transformative, broadening his understanding of racial inequality. His brother William arrives unexpectedly, disheveled from a night out. Their conversation turns to Bea, the English girl who lived with them during World War II. Gerald confronts William about witnessing them together in Maine years ago and about William’s trip to London after their father’s death. William denies any romantic involvement, but Gerald does not believe him. Their mother appears and insists they all attend church together. During the service, they sing the hymn “Jerusalem,” which was Bea’s and their father’s favorite. The shared memory leads to a rare moment of connection: Gerald reaches his arm around his mother to grasp William’s hand, and they hold hands as the hymn ends.
Key Events
- Gerald shovels snow and settles in for a quiet morning, reflecting on his summer with Linda in Baltimore.
- William arrives unexpectedly, looking unkempt after a night out; the two brothers engage in a tense conversation.
- William brings up Bea, and Gerald realizes his brother is still in love with her.
- Gerald accuses William of having a romantic relationship with Bea in Maine and in London; William denies it.
- Mother enters and requests that both sons accompany her to church, a wish they haven’t fulfilled since their father’s funeral.
- At the chapel, the family sits in their usual pew; Gerald observes the students and recalls past services.
- The congregation sings “Jerusalem,” triggering memories of Bea and their father.
- Gerald puts his hand on William’s shoulder; William grasps it, and they sing together, their voices strengthening.
Character Development
- Gerald: This chapter marks a turning point for Gerald. He has moved from passive observer to active participant in civil rights work, yet he still carries old wounds—his jealousy and resentment toward William regarding Bea. His confrontation with William shows his growing willingness to address long-buried truths, even as he struggles with anger. The church moment reveals his capacity for forgiveness and connection.
- William: William remains evasive and guarded. His denial of the events in Maine and London suggests he may be lying to himself as much as to Gerald. His sad smile during the hymn indicates lingering grief over Bea.
- Mother (Mrs. Gregory): She is the emotional anchor, seeking to reunite her sons. Her joy at having them both in church underscores her role as the family’s heart.
- Bea (offstage): Though absent, her presence looms large. She is the catalyst for the brothers’ tension and the shared memory that ultimately brings them together.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Civil Rights and Moral Courage: Gerald’s summer in Baltimore reveals his internal conflict between comfort and action. His growing awareness of the struggles of black students at his school mirrors his own experience of feeling “different” and drives his commitment.
- Memory and the Unspoken Past: The chapter is built on buried secrets—the night in Maine, William’s trip to London. The act of shoveling snow becomes a metaphor for clearing away layers to reach what lies beneath.
- Church and Tradition: The physical space of the chapel, the familiar pew, and the hymn “Jerusalem” symbolize continuity and belonging. Singing together allows the family to transcend grief and discord, if only for a moment.
- Sibling Rivalry and Reconciliation: Gerald’s long-held jealousy and William’s defensiveness illustrate the lasting effects of childhood experiences. Their hand-holding at the end represents a fragile but genuine step toward healing.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 86 is a pivotal moment for Gerald’s character arc, showing his maturation and his decision to finally confront William about Bea. It provides the most direct evidence yet of a romantic relationship between William and Bea, while leaving room for ambiguity. The church scene offers a rare moment of unity among the Gregory family, echoing earlier chapters where Bea herself was part of that family circle. The chapter deepens the novel’s exploration of how the past shapes identity and how moments of shared tradition can bridge even long‑standing rifts.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Gerald initially hesitate to join Linda in Baltimore, and what changes his mind?
Gerald tells himself he must stay in town in case his mother needs him, but Linda knows this isn’t the real reason. He is afraid of fully committing to the civil rights work—he prefers reading and talking about it to actually being on the streets. However, after a month apart, he misses Linda intensely and her letters fill him with admiration for her passion. He realizes he wants to be by her side, so he clears his calendar and travels south. -
What does Gerald reveal about the night Bea left Maine, and how has it affected him?
Gerald followed William and Bea into the woods on their last night in Maine. He watched them swim naked, kiss, touch, and cry. He stayed in the woods until sunrise, overwhelmed by anger and a sense of loss that has never fully gone away. This hidden memory has fueled his resentment toward William for years. -
How does the hymn “Jerusalem” function in this chapter?
“Jerusalem” was Bea’s favorite hymn and also their father’s. By singing it in chapel, the family connects to both of them. The familiar words and melody evoke shared grief and love, allowing Gerald and William to set aside their tension. The hymn becomes a vehicle for unspoken reconciliation, as Gerald reaches for William’s hand and they sing together.