Chapter 22 Summary: Probably Doomed and Perplexingly Merry - I Cheerfully Refuse
⚠️ 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
Rainy and Sol sail east along the Michigan coast. Exhausted after a long day, Rainy carries the sleeping Sol below and anchors in Misery Bay. At first light he studies the charts and decides to take a canal that cuts through the peninsula, leading toward Redfield where Sol’s grandfather Griff lives. Though uneasy about delivering the girl to a stranger, Rainy resolves to find Griff and assess the situation. He also plans to eventually cross the Slates again in search of Lark.
Before they can leave, Sol spots a bloated corpse floating near the boat. She calls it an “uncle” because she has lost two uncles to Lake Superior. Without hesitation, she swims to the body and insists on burying it. Rainy reluctantly helps; together they dig a grave, roll the heavy corpse in, and cover it with stones. Sol offers a brief, sincere farewell.
They continue through the canal entrance, guided by a kite that Sol has never seen before. The kite spooks her, but Rainy feels hopeful, interpreting it as a sign that they are on the right path—the kind of sign Lark would have believed in. They anchor for the night as a storm gathers, sharing soup in the cockpit.
Key Events
- Rainy carries Sol to bed after she falls asleep on deck.
- He anchors in Misery Bay and studies charts, planning a route through a canal to Redfield.
- Sol wakes and immediately spots a floating corpse; she swims out and insists on burying it.
- Together they dig a grave and give the body a respectful burial.
- They sail into the canal, guided by a kite that Sol mistakes for a living creature.
- Rainy reflects on the phrase “probably doomed and perplexingly merry,” which Lark once used to describe their handmade lives.
- They anchor for the night as storms approach, and Rainy feels a renewed sense of purpose.
Character Development
Rainy shows deepening care for Sol, carrying her below and later helping with the burial despite his initial reluctance. His internal conflict about trusting Griff—weighing known dangers against unknown ones—reveals his protective instincts. The burial scene highlights his capacity for mercy, even when it is inconvenient. His thoughts of Lark become more focused; he is determined to try the Slates again.
Sol demonstrates remarkable resilience and a strong moral code. She treats the corpse with dignity, refusing to leave it unburied. Her stamina and stubbornness impress Rainy. She is also vulnerable: the kite frightens her, showing that despite her bravery, she is still a child in a dangerous world. Her stories about Griff are full of superlatives but lack detail, suggesting she may be embellishing or hiding something.
Lark remains a spiritual presence through Rainy’s memories. Her phrase “probably doomed and perplexingly merry” becomes a guiding motto for the chapter, reflecting the uncertain but hopeful path Rainy and Sol are on.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Mercy and ritual: The burial of the unidentified corpse, though grim, becomes an act of compassion. Sol’s insistence on a proper grave underscores the theme of treating all lives with dignity.
- Hope and signs: The kite appears as a hopeful omen, especially to Rainy, who believes Lark would have seen it as a sign of favor. It contrasts with the storm gathering on the horizon.
- Found family: Rainy and Sol are not related by blood, but their bond deepens through shared labor and trust. The phrase “probably doomed and perplexingly merry” encapsulates the precarious but joyful nature of their makeshift family.
- The past versus the present: Folsum’s idyllic descriptions of cherry festivals and community suppers clash with Sol’s harsh reality. Rainy longs for that lost world, while Sol finds it ridiculous.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a turning point in Rainy and Sol’s journey. The burial cements their partnership, showing that Rainy will follow Sol’s lead even when it asks much of him. The choice to enter the canal narrows their options and brings them closer to Griff, whose character remains ambiguous. Rainy’s renewed resolve to face the Slates again drives the larger plot forward. The chapter also deepens the novel’s emotional landscape: grief, hope, and unexpected joy coexist in a world that feels both ruined and redeemable.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Rainy agree to help Sol bury the corpse, and what does this reveal about his character?
Rainy initially refuses, but Sol’s persistence and her evident compassion move him. He eventually takes up the folding shovel and works beside her. This reveals that Rainy, despite his weariness and pragmatism, is willing to set aside his own discomfort to support Sol’s moral conviction. It shows his growing respect for her and his capacity for unexpected kindness.
2. How does the kite function as a symbol in this chapter?
The kite appears as a mysterious, autonomous shape that leads them to the canal entrance. To Rainy, it feels like a sign of hope and divine favor—a reminder of Lark’s tendency to see the world as meaningful. For Sol, it is frightening because she has never seen one and perceives it as something watchful. The kite thus symbolizes the different ways characters interpret the world: Rainy looks for grace, while Sol sees potential threats.
3. What does the phrase “probably doomed and perplexingly merry” mean in the context of this chapter?
Lark originally said this when describing the feeling of taking a great risk. In this chapter, Rainy recalls the phrase as he contemplates his uncertain plan—finding Griff, then crossing the Slates. It captures the central tension of the novel: living without safety but choosing joy anyway. The phrase also reflects the chapter’s events—burying a corpse, sailing into a storm—yet finding moments of humor, connection, and hope.