Chapter 107: Esther – Summary and Analysis
Spoiler Notice
This chapter summary and analysis contains spoilers for Chapter 107 of My Beloved.
Summary
With Christmas approaching, Esther Cunningham decides she must write her husband Ray a surprise letter. She worries about her lack of romantic instincts, remembering that Ray is the romantic one—he gave her pet names like “Baby Cheeks” and “Cupcake.” Trying to find a salutation, she considers “Honey Bunch,” recalling her Aunt Flore used that for everyone, but Esther’s own mother, Big Esther, was a bossy woman who never spoke that way.
Esther then reflects on how she met Ray at a picnic after he returned from Vietnam. Ray never spoke about the war or the way he was treated as a returning soldier. A sniper bullet had entered his right backside and exited the front, missing his vital organs. The entry wound left a bluish scar that Esther named “Blueberry.” She used to rub lotion on it and called him “Baby Blue” or just “Blue”—a secret nickname between them.
Their marriage had its challenges: Ray was jealous of the time her mayoral duties demanded, but eventually he became proud of her accomplishments and was her biggest cheerleader. Now, with the letter in mind, Esther questions whether she ever properly thanked him for his steadfast support. She takes a deep breath, poised to act.
Key Events
- Esther plans a romantic surprise letter for Ray, though she doubts her romantic skills.
- She remembers her Aunt Flore’s casual endearment “Honey Bunch” but feels it doesn’t suit her.
- She recalls Ray’s Vietnam war injury and the scar she named “Blueberry.”
- She remembers their private nickname “Baby Blue” and the intimacy of caring for his scar.
- She reviews the ups and downs of their marriage, especially Ray’s jealousy and eventual pride in her mayoral work.
- She asks herself whether she ever expressed gratitude to Ray.
- The chapter ends with her taking a deep breath, indicating readiness to write.
Character Development
This chapter offers rare insight into Esther’s emotional and vulnerable side. Up to now, she has been portrayed as a no-nonsense mayor, but here she admits her lack of romance and her dependence on Ray’s support. Her memories of rubbing his scar reveal a gentleness she rarely shows. She also confronts possible regret—the fear that she has not thanked the man who “Velcro’d” himself to her bossy self. This introspection deepens her character, suggesting that beneath her public toughness lies a woman capable of tenderness and self-reflection.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Romance vs. Practicality: Esther’s struggle with writing a romantic letter highlights the contrast between her practical, bossy nature and Ray’s romantic tenderness.
- War Trauma and Healing: Ray’s scar “Blueberry” is both a physical remnant of war and a focal point for Esther’s care. Naming it and massaging it becomes a private ritual that helps him heal emotionally.
- Gratitude: The central question of the chapter—did she ever thank him?—elevates gratitude as an essential, often overlooked part of a long marriage.
- Private Language: The nickname “Baby Blue” and the ritual around the scar create a secret world for the couple, a refuge from public roles.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter shifts the focus from Esther’s public life to her private marriage, showing that even a strong, busy mayor has emotional needs and debts of gratitude. It deepens the novel’s exploration of long-term relationships, particularly how partners support each other through jealousy, war trauma, and demanding careers. It also sets up a likely turning point in Esther’s arc: the decision to reach out romantically to Ray may lead to a deeper connection or to a resolution of unspoken tensions. By ending on a breath before action, the chapter increases anticipation for what comes next.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does the scar named “Blueberry” symbolize in Esther and Ray’s relationship?
The scar symbolizes both Ray’s war trauma and the couple’s unique intimacy. Esther’s act of naming it and massaging it with lotion shows her care and acceptance of his past. The private nickname “Baby Blue” becomes a secret language that reinforces their bond beyond their public roles.
2. How does Esther’s reflection on her mother and Aunt Flore shape her view of romance?
Esther contrasts her mother Big Esther, who bossed everyone and showed no romance, with Aunt Flore, who used the affectionate “Honey Bunch” for everyone. This makes Esther see romance as something foreign to her own upbringing, yet she is willing to try it for Ray’s sake, acknowledging that he deserves a romantic gesture despite her discomfort.
3. Why might this chapter be pivotal for Esther’s character arc?
It reveals a vulnerable, grateful side of Esther that readers haven’t seen before. By confronting her potential failure to thank Ray, she moves from a purely pragmatic leader to a more emotionally introspective partner. The decision to write a letter could lead to a new chapter in their relationship, or at least to her expressing long-overdue appreciation.