Chapter 11 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
After leaving the dining hall, Tessa takes Imogen on the “long way” back to the dorm to show her the famous scissors sculpture on campus. They meet a friend of Tessa’s brother, Andrew, who takes their photo. Walking back, Tessa talks about her family: brother Dan (a junior, “scrawny Jewish guy” who loves sports), sister Rachael (a sophomore in high school), and the “himbo” friend group. Imogen and Tessa share their birthdays and zodiac signs; Tessa is a Cancer, Imogen a Scorpio. Tessa also describes her coming-out experience—her siblings took her to Big Gay Ice Cream in Philadelphia. Imogen internally contrasts this with her own lies about being queer, thinking about her younger sister Edith, who has always been naturally and confidently queer. Tessa notices Imogen hasn’t replied to Lili’s texts and playfully checks Imogen’s pulse. They return to the dorm elevator, where Imogen posts a scissor photo on Instagram.
Key Events
- Tessa leads Imogen to the scissors sculpture; Andrew photographs them in the “V” between the blades.
- Tessa shares details about her brother Dan and the “himbo” friends.
- Conversation turns to siblings, birthdays, and zodiac signs—Tessa is a Cancer, Imogen a Scorpio.
- Tessa recounts her coming-out story: her siblings took her to Big Gay Ice Cream.
- Imogen internally reflects on her sister Edith’s innate, unapologetic queerness, feeling the weight of her own deception.
- Tessa checks Imogen’s pulse to confirm she’s alive and not ignoring texts.
- Imogen posts the scissors photo to Instagram with a scissor emoji caption.
Character Development
Imogen: The chapter deepens Imogen’s internal conflict. She enjoys the ease of her time with Tessa but is repeatedly reminded of the lie she’s maintaining—pretending to be queer to support Lili’s story. The contrast between her constructed persona and Edith’s natural queer identity sharpens her guilt. Tessa’s physical contact (pulse check) unsettles her, hinting at growing feelings she cannot openly process.
Tessa: Tessa continues to be open, affectionate, and playful. She shares personal family details, shows vulnerability in her coming-out story, and initiates physical touch, making Imogen feel both comfortable and confused. Her easygoing nature highlights the gap between Imogen’s fake queerness and Tessa’s genuine identity.
Edith (mentioned): Though not present, Edith serves as a foil to Imogen. Her early, instinctive queerness contrasts with Imogen’s performance, underscoring that Imogen’s current situation is far from natural for her.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Authenticity vs. Performance: The chapter revolves around Imogen’s internal lie. Tessa’s genuine stories about her family and coming out make Imogen acutely aware that she is performing a role.
- Family and Support: Tessa’s family celebrated her coming out with a trip to Big Gay Ice Cream, illustrating supportive acceptance. Imogen’s memory of Edith’s early queerness shows a different kind of natural support within her own family.
- The Scissors Sculpture: The scissors—described as “pre-decapitation” in a joking tone—symbolize the sharp divide between Imogen’s public persona and private self. The “V” shape also suggests a split or choice she may soon face.
- Pulse and Life: Tessa checking Imogen’s pulse is a moment of intimate connection that also highlights Imogen’s emotional stagnation—she feels alive only in these fleeting interactions.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 11 deepens Imogen’s emotional entanglement with Tessa while intensifying her guilt. It establishes a critical counterpoint between Tessa’s authentic queer experience and Imogen’s fabricated one. This contrast sets the stage for Imogen’s eventual need to confront her lies. The chapter also develops the easy, natural chemistry between Imogen and Tessa, making Imogen’s deception feel increasingly unsustainable. Additionally, the scissors sculpture and Tessa’s coming-out story enrich the campus setting and provide symbolic texture for the novel’s exploration of identity.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Imogen think about her sister Edith during the conversation with Tessa?
Imogen contrasts Edith’s innate, unapologetic queerness with her own performed queerness. Edith has always known she was gay, while Imogen is pretending to be queer to support Lili. This comparison heightens Imogen’s feelings of inauthenticity and guilt. -
What is the significance of the scissors sculpture in this chapter?
The scissors serve as a campus landmark and a symbol of the divide between Imogen’s true self and her public facade. The joking reference to “pre-decapitation” hints at an impending confrontation or unmasking, while the “V” shape echoes the choice Imogen may need to make. -
How does Tessa’s coming-out story differ from Imogen’s current situation?
Tessa’s coming out was supported by her family in a celebratory, affirming way (Big Gay Ice Cream). Imogen, by contrast, is not actually coming out—she is maintaining a false identity. Tessa’s honest narrative contrasts sharply with Imogen’s lie, making Imogen’s predicament more painful.