Chapter 17 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

Arthur wakes on the floor of Gwen's room, his arm bandaged and his head pounding. Agnes enters with tea, assuming the two spent the night in romantic entanglement. Gwen quickly dismisses her, explaining that Sidney is outside ill. After Agnes leaves, Arthur and Gwen sit together, drinking tea and talking.

Gwen reveals that she confessed her feelings for Bridget to her brother Gabriel, who reacted with horror and has avoided her ever since. Arthur, who knows more about Gabriel's internal struggles than he lets on, hints that Gabriel's reaction may not be what Gwen assumes. He suggests that Gabriel might be coming from a place of personal discomfort rather than outright judgment.

The conversation shifts to Gwen's lack of friends. Arthur points out that Agnes actually likes her, but Gwen remains skeptical. Arthur then shares his own romantic history: he was secretly involved with a man named Gawain, the son of his father's friend, but the relationship ended badly when Gawain couldn't accept himself. Arthur admits he is a hopeless romantic, and Gwen confesses she has never kissed anyone.

In a moment of mutual curiosity, they decide to practice kissing to see if there is any attraction. They kiss, but both feel nothing—it's pleasant but not earth-shattering. They part on good terms, with Gwen heading to bed and Arthur leaving, exchanging a warm goodnight.

Key Events

Agnes interrupts, assuming Arthur and Gwen were intimate, but Gwen redirects her to Sidney's condition.
Gwen tells Arthur about Gabriel's harsh reaction to her confession about Bridget.
Arthur hints that Gabriel's behavior stems from his own internal conflict, not just judgment.
Arthur and Gwen discuss Gwen's social isolation and Arthur's past relationship with Gawain.
Gwen admits she has never kissed anyone, and they agree to practice.
They kiss but feel no romantic spark, confirming their platonic bond.
They exchange goodnights, with Gwen going to bed and Arthur leaving.

Character Development

This chapter deepens both protagonists' emotional layers. Gwen shows vulnerability by sharing her fears about Gabriel's rejection and her uncertainty about her feelings for Bridget. She also reveals her inexperience with romance, which makes her more relatable and less guarded. Arthur, typically swaggering and evasive, opens up about his painful past with Gawain, exposing his romantic idealism and capacity for heartbreak. Their mutual honesty strengthens their friendship, transforming their arrangement from a mere pact into a genuine alliance. The practice kiss, while confirming no romantic attraction, reinforces their comfort with each other and their willingness to support one another's journeys of self-discovery.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Secrecy and Mutual Trust: The chapter emphasizes the importance of keeping each other's secrets, as Gwen and Arthur reaffirm their pact. Their willingness to share intimate truths—Gwen's confession about Bridget, Arthur's history with Gawain—builds a foundation of trust.
Queer Identity and Self-Discovery: Both characters grapple with their identities in a society that condemns same-sex love. Arthur's past with Gawain and Gwen's feelings for Bridget highlight the challenges of living authentically.
Fear of Rejection by Loved Ones: Gwen's anguish over Gabriel's reaction illustrates the deep pain of being rejected by family. Arthur's hint that Gabriel's behavior is rooted in his own struggles adds nuance to this theme.
Historical Erasure of Queer Love: Arthur mentions that progressive cultists believe same-sex love was accepted in Arthurian times, but evidence was destroyed by Catholicism. This underscores the erasure of queer history and the difficulty of finding validation.
Platonic Intimacy vs. Romantic Attraction: The practice kiss serves as a test, confirming that Gwen and Arthur's bond is purely platonic. This allows them to be close without romantic complications, highlighting the value of friendship.
Repression vs. Living Truthfully: Gwen's desire to force herself to love a man to make life easier contrasts with Arthur's advice to embrace her truth. The chapter advocates for honesty over conformity.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 17 is pivotal for the development of Gwen and Arthur's relationship. It moves beyond their initial arrangement and establishes a deep, trusting friendship. Arthur's revelation about Gawain humanizes him, while Gwen's vulnerability makes her more sympathetic. The chapter also sets up future conflict with Gabriel, as Arthur's cryptic hints suggest Gabriel's own hidden struggles. By exploring queer themes and the importance of self-acceptance, the chapter enriches the novel's emotional and thematic depth, making it a crucial turning point in their journey.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Arthur hint that Gabriel's reaction might be different from what Gwen assumes?

Arthur knows that Gabriel is struggling with his own feelings—likely similar to Arthur's—so his harsh reaction may be a reflection of self-loathing rather than judgment of Gwen. Arthur's comment that Gabriel is