Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

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Summary

After Pete Riley's exploratory visit in December 2018, Gwendy Peterson begins researching Maine's Republican junior senator, Paul Magowan. The more she reads, the more disgusted she becomes. Magowan presents himself as a fiscal conservative who opposes tax-and-spend progressives, yet he supports clear-cutting Maine's forests and removing commercial fishing bans in protected areas. He dismisses concerns about acid rain and polluted rivers, even joking about the historical two-headed salmon that appeared when mills ran around the clock. He promises to restart the state's textile mills with help from President Trump and other “friends of the American economy,” and when asked about competing with cheap Chinese imports, he quips that he would ban all Chinese imports except for moo-shu pork and General Tso's chicken. The audience laughs and applauds.

While watching this video on YouTube, Gwendy recalls Pete's words from his exploratory trip: people are turning away from women's rights, science, equality, and truth, and someone needs to stand up and make them look at uncomfortable realities. She decides she will be that someone. However, when Pete calls her in March 2019, she tells him she still hasn't decided. Pete urges her to hurry, noting that “it gets late early in politics,” and offers to be her campaign manager. Gwendy asks him to call again in April, explaining that she needs to deliberate and talk to her husband, Ryan. She also plans to finish her book, City of Night, before challenging Magowan. When she tells Ryan, he reacts with enthusiasm, declaring that Gwendy Peterson is “BACK” and going out to buy a good bottle of wine to celebrate.

Key Events

Gwendy researches Paul Magowan and becomes increasingly disgusted by his political positions.
She watches a video where Magowan jokes about banning Chinese imports except for certain dishes, drawing laughter and applause.
Gwendy recalls Pete Riley's December 2018 remarks about people turning away from women's rights, science, equality, and truth.
She decides to run for office, but when Pete calls in March 2019, she delays her decision.
Pete offers to be her campaign manager and urges her to hurry.
Gwendy asks Pete to call again in April, saying she needs to deliberate and consult Ryan.
She plans to finish her book City of Night before launching her campaign.
Gwendy tells Ryan about her decision, and he celebrates enthusiastically.

Character Development

Gwendy Peterson shows a blend of resolve and caution. At fifty-eight, she is no longer the horrified younger version of herself, but she still feels horror at Magowan's policies. Her decision to run is driven by a sense of duty to counter the erosion of truth and rights, yet she deliberately delays her announcement to finish her book and consult her husband. This reflects her maturity and careful planning, as well as her commitment to her own creative work before entering the political fray.

Pete Riley emerges as a pragmatic and eager supporter. He pushes Gwendy to act quickly, offers to manage her campaign, and shows his loyalty through his persistent encouragement. His earlier words about standing up for truth now serve as a catalyst for Gwendy's decision.

Ryan appears as a supportive spouse. His immediate celebration and willingness to buy expensive wine signal his confidence in Gwendy and his excitement about her return to public life. His reaction reinforces the theme of marital support.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Political hypocrisy is central. Magowan claims to protect future generations while supporting environmental destruction, and he dismisses real issues with jokes. This contrast highlights the gap between rhetoric and action.

Environmental destruction is symbolized by the clear-cutting of forests, removal of fishing bans, and the historical two-headed salmon—a grotesque image of pollution's consequences. Magowan's indifference to these issues underscores the theme.

Anti-science sentiment appears in Magowan's dismissal of acid rain and polluted rivers, reflecting a broader cultural turn away from scientific evidence.

Erosion of truth is explicitly referenced through Pete's earlier remarks about people turning away from truth. Gwendy's decision to run is framed as a response to this erosion.

Women's rights and equality are also invoked in Pete's recollection, tying Gwendy's campaign to a larger fight for social justice.

Deliberation and ambition are shown through Gwendy's choice to wait until April, balancing her political ambition with her need to finish her book and consult her family.

Marital support is symbolized by Ryan's celebratory wine purchase, suggesting that Gwendy's decision is strengthened by her partner's encouragement.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in the narrative. It establishes Gwendy's motivation for entering the political race and sets the stage for the campaign that will likely dominate the rest of the book. By showing her research, her internal conflict, and her eventual commitment, the chapter deepens her character and introduces the central conflict with Paul Magowan. It also reinforces the novel's broader themes of truth, environmentalism, and social responsibility. The chapter's ending—with Ryan's celebratory reaction—provides a moment of hope and momentum, suggesting that Gwendy is ready to take on a formidable challenge.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Gwendy delay her decision to run when Pete calls in March?

Gwendy delays because she wants to deliberate carefully and talk to her husband Ryan. She also plans to finish her book City of Night before launching a campaign. This shows her methodical nature and her desire to clear the decks before committing to a political fight.

2. How does Paul Magowan's rhetoric reveal his hypocrisy?

Magowan claims to be a fiscal conservative who protects future generations, yet he supports clear-cutting forests and removing fishing bans, which harm the environment. He also dismisses acid rain and polluted rivers, and jokes about banning Chinese imports while ignoring the real economic challenges. His words contradict his stated concern for grandchildren's futures.

3. What role does Pete Riley play in Gwendy's decision to run?

Pete serves as both a catalyst and a supporter. His earlier remarks about people turning away from truth inspire Gwendy to act. When he calls, he urges her to hurry and offers to be her campaign manager, providing practical help and encouragement. His persistence helps move Gwendy from intention to commitment.

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