27. May 19, 2021 – 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 May 19, 2021, Barbara Robinson meets with Olivia and Marie in Olivia's living room. Olivia drinks caffeine-free Red Zinger iced tea due to her arrhythmia, while Barbara and Marie have coffee. Olivia explains the Penley Prize timeline: the shortlist will be cut to ten in mid-June, then five finalists in mid-July, with the winner announced in August. She notes that Barbara submitted her best poems and advises against sending more, pointing out that her last two felt forced. Barbara agrees.

Barbara realizes the finalists are listed on the Penley Prize website and worries her secret is out, but Olivia reassures her that poetry awards attract minimal attention and that her secret is safe. Olivia also instructs Barbara to prepare a statement of poetic purpose (no more than 500 words) in case she makes the final five, emphasizing that the essay must come from Barbara's own heart and mind, without outside help.

The conversation turns to Barbara's reading: she is currently reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy and Catalepsy by Jorge Castro. Olivia recalls that Castro—a gay man with a flamboyant style and kind nature—was well-liked by most faculty, but Emily Harris disliked him intensely. Olivia describes a department meeting about the Poetry Workshop where Harris smiled while Castro spoke, yet her eyes "looked like she wanted to kill him." She also recounts Harris's Christmas party, held via Zoom during COVID, with hired Santas delivering goody baskets. Marie confirms the story.

Olivia, weary but engaged, finally allows Marie to help her to the chairlift, where she farts and heads upstairs.

Key Events

Olivia outlines the Penley Prize timeline: shortlist to ten in June, final five in July, winner in August.
Barbara learns that the finalists are posted on the prize website, but Olivia reassures her that the news is unlikely to spread.
Olivia assigns Barbara to write a statement of poetic purpose without outside help.
Barbara reveals she is reading Blood Meridian and Catalepsy, leading Olivia to discuss Jorge Castro.
Olivia shares a recollection of Emily Harris's animosity toward Castro and her elaborate Christmas party.
Marie helps Olivia to the stairlift, highlighting Olivia's physical frailty.

Character Development

Barbara Robinson: Demonstrates growing confidence as a poet but still relies on Olivia's guidance. She secretly hopes to delay publicizing her success until Jerome signs his contract.
Olivia: Shows mental sharpness despite physical decline; her memory and speech are clear when discussing poetry or past events. Her body, however, requires constant care from Marie. She is protective of Barbara and candid about Harris's prejudice.
Marie: Devoted caregiver with a practical nursing license. She manages Olivia's health needs and gently pushes her to rest, yet respects her engagement.
Emily Harris (mentioned): Revealed as a prejudiced figure who openly dislikes non-white and non-heterosexual individuals. Her smile masks a murderous rage, as seen in her eyes during the Poetry Workshop meeting.
Jorge Castro (mentioned): A gay, kind professor whose flamboyant style and wit were tolerated by most but loathed by Harris.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Secrecy and Revelation: Barbara's desire to keep her finalist status hidden contrasts with the inevitable public listing. The secret is safe only because poetry is obscure.
Prejudice and Power: Emily Harris's homophobia and racism are exposed through Olivia's story. Harris's institutional power (as a faculty member) could have ruined Castro's career.
Mentorship and Independence: Olivia guides Barbara's craft but insists that the poetic essay must be Barbara's own work, balancing support with autonomy.
Aging and Decline: Olivia's physical deterioration—arrhythmia, flatulence, reliance on a chairlift—underscores her limited time, making her mentorship bittersweet.
Art vs. Life: The conversation moves from the abstract world of poetry prizes to ugly personal vendettas, reminding readers that creative pursuits exist within flawed human systems.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the reader's understanding of Emily Harris as a villain; her hatred for Castro foreshadows her role in the larger story. It also cements Olivia's role as a wise, if frail, mentor to Barbara. The Penley Prize subplot adds tension to Barbara's arc—she is on the cusp of recognition but must navigate the secret and the essay requirement. The chapter's domestic setting (coffee, tea, a chairlift) contrasts with the darkness of Harris's past actions, creating a quiet moment before stormier developments.

Study Questions

Why does Olivia insist that Barbara write the statement of poetic purpose entirely on her own?
Answer: Olivia believes that any statement about one's work must come from the poet's own heart and mind to be authentic. Outside help would undermine the personal nature of the artistic self-reflection.
What does Emily Harris's reaction to Jorge Castro's speech reveal about her character?
Answer: While Harris smiled and appeared agreeable, her eyes showed murderous anger. This duality reveals her as a person who hides deep prejudice behind a public facade, willing to destroy those she considers outsiders.
How does the Penley Prize timeline create suspense for Barbara's story?
Answer: The drawn-out process (shortlist in June, finalists in July, winner in August) means Barbara must wait months for the outcome. During that time, she must keep her secret and prepare an essay, all while wondering whether she will advance—or whether her secret will be exposed.