Chapter 37: Thirty-Six Summary & 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
Gwen drives Tana to work and then visits Arthur at The Briars. She finds Arthur playing chess with his younger brother Colin. Arthur, anxious that Tana has revealed his secret affair, braces for Gwen’s anger. Instead, Gwen asks Arthur to take her to her senior prom. She explains that Bracken McLeod asked her but she prefers Arthur, despite his being in college. Relieved that Tana kept quiet, Arthur agrees. They share two kisses—the second slower and longer. Colin teases Arthur from the study. Arthur feels a “karmic opposite” to revenge, a moment of genuine happiness. Later, Gwen tells Arthur that Tana called him one of the nicest people she knows. Arthur realizes the shame of his past actions will always linger.
Key Events
- Gwen drops by The Briars while Arthur and Colin play chess.
- Arthur assumes Gwen knows about his relationship with Tana and feels dread.
- Gwen nervously asks Arthur to her senior prom, mentioning Bracken McLeod’s invitation.
- Arthur agrees, relieved that Tana hasn’t told Gwen.
- Arthur and Gwen kiss twice; the second kiss is longer and more intimate.
- Colin calls out from the study, warning Arthur about his chess position.
- Gwen reveals that Tana spoke highly of Arthur.
- Arthur acknowledges that a feeling of shame will remain with him.
Character Development
- Arthur: Experiences a rollercoaster of emotions—from dread to relief to joy, then lingering guilt. His willingness to accept whatever Gwen thinks of him shows growth in moral accountability, yet the shame reminds him of his past transgression.
- Gwen: Displays vulnerability and courage by asking Arthur to prom despite her nervousness. Her trust in Arthur is reinforced by Tana’s praise, and her affection deepens through physical intimacy.
- Colin: Demonstrates sharp observational skills and a playful bond with Arthur, adding a light counterpoint to the chapter’s emotional tension.
- Tana (mentioned): Her decision not to reveal Arthur’s secret signals a complex understanding between them, and her kind words to Gwen indicate she values Arthur’s decency despite their history.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Shame and relief: Arthur’s relief at Gwen’s invitation is undercut by the “worm of shame” that persists. This motif of hidden guilt versus public happiness recurs throughout the novel.
- The prom as a threshold: A senior prom symbolizes a rite of passage. For Arthur, attending with Gwen represents a step into a normal, youthful relationship, contrasting with his darker impulses.
- Chess as a metaphor: Arthur’s chess game with Colin mirrors his life: he studies, plans, but often walks into traps. Colin’s emerging skill suggests that Arthur’s control over his own narrative is eroding.
- The “karmic opposite” of revenge: Arthur directly contrasts his earlier “ugly triumph” of revenge with the pure happiness of Gwen’s kiss, highlighting the novel’s moral spectrum.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 37 marks a turning point in Arthur’s emotional arc. After the secret affair with Tana, this scene offers a moment of genuine connection and hope. The prom invitation solidifies Arthur and Gwen’s romantic relationship, while the residual shame foreshadows that past sins cannot be easily erased. The chapter also reinforces Arthur’s internal conflict between seeking redemption and acknowledging his flaws, setting the stage for future choices.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Arthur initially assume Gwen is angry with him? Arthur assumes Tana has told Gwen about their affair. He braces for Gwen’s contempt because he believes he has earned it, showing his guilt and expectation of consequences.
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How does the chess game between Arthur and Colin parallel the chapter’s emotional dynamics? Arthur’s dominance over Colin is slipping; Colin now sets traps Arthur walks into. This mirrors Arthur’s loss of control in his personal life—he thought he could keep his secret hidden, but the “trap” of shame remains.
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What does Arthur mean by “karmic opposite to the ugly triumph of revenge”? He contrasts the hollow satisfaction of revenge with the pure joy of Gwen’s kiss. This suggests that love and connection are morally superior to vengeance, offering a potential path to redemption—though the chapter ends with his shame intact.