Purple State Chapter 73 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 Election Day at 5 a.m., Dot, Fletcher, and Rose gather at the Cedar Falls For the Win office, wearing royal-blue sweaters with red trim and white "FTW" lettering made by Kitty Bell. They reflect on the campaign and their future plans: Dot turned down a job at American Progress PAC in D.C. and recommended Fletcher, who will take the role and also launch his podcast Left Unsupervised from a Capitol Hill apartment. Rose is invited as a guest. While taking a team photo, Dot notices the mirror reflection shows "WTF" instead of "FTW"—they delete the photos but keep one for humor. Meanwhile, Joe Taylor invites Mary to Flour Power, where he reveals the government has backed off seizing his farm because of the law firm registration issue Mary discovered. The Taylors give Mary cherry-red Hunter boots and a Carhartt barn coat as thanks. Mary feels emotional about leaving Cedar Falls, struggling with the choice ahead.
Key Events
- The campaign team meets before dawn on Election Day, wearing custom FTW sweaters.
- Dot reveals she turned down a D.C. job and recommended Fletcher, who accepts and will also host a new podcast.
- Fletcher takes a group photo; Dot spots the mirror reflection showing "WTF," prompting laughter and deletion except for one comic shot.
- Joe Taylor calls Mary to Flour Power, where he and Grace announce the farm is saved due to Mary's help.
- The Taylors present Mary with red Hunter boots and a Carhartt barn coat.
- Jake and Tommy arrive; Joe reveals a party at the Sin Bin planned for Mary, Dot, and Harper.
- Mary becomes tearful, torn between returning to New York and staying in Cedar Falls.
Character Development
- Dot: Demonstrates leadership, humor, and selflessness by recommending Fletcher for the D.C. job and embracing her New York identity.
- Fletcher: Shows adaptability, moving his plans from New York to D.C. while launching his podcast; deepens his respect for Rose and Dot.
- Rose: Reveals vulnerability by expressing loneliness after the campaign; accepts Fletcher's offer to appear on his podcast.
- Mary: Experiences emotional growth—her tears reflect genuine attachment to Cedar Falls and the Taylors, not just gratitude.
- Joe and Grace Taylor: Display gratitude and relief; their gift symbolizes their appreciation and Mary's transformation.
- Jake: Supports the celebration; his relationship with Mary appears closer (she sits on his lap).
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs Evidenced Here
- Community and Connection: The campaign team's banter and the Taylor family's embrace of Mary highlight the bonds formed across political divides.
- Sacrifice and Opportunity: Dot gives up a D.C. role for New York; Fletcher pivots from podcast dreams to a hybrid opportunity.
- Humor as Resilience: The "WTF" photo blunder defuses Election Day tension, showing the team's ability to laugh at themselves.
- Gift-Giving as Gratitude: The Hunter boots and Carhartt coat are practical items that symbolize Mary's integration into rural life—"water- and mud-proof" gear for someone who once wore leather and heels.
- Transition and Loss: Mary's emotional struggle between two worlds echoes the book's central tension between urban and rural, old and new.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 73 resolves the Taylor farm subplot that has driven much of Mary's involvement in Cedar Falls. It also sets up the novel's climax—Election Day—while deepening character decisions about the future. The chapter reinforces themes of gratitude, community, and personal sacrifice. Mary's gift and tears signal that her time in Iowa has changed her, making her eventual choice between New York and Cedar Falls emotionally charged. The photo mishap provides levity, underscoring that even in high-stakes moments, human connection and humor matter.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Dot turn down the job at American Progress PAC?
Dot personally prefers New York City over Washington, D.C. She is a "creature of New York" and decides that a life in the capital isn't for her. Instead, she recommends Fletcher for the position, showing her selflessness and desire to help her friend succeed even if it means staying in a city she loves. -
What does the "WTF" photo blunder reveal about the campaign team's dynamic?
The mishap reveals the team's easy rapport and ability to find humor in potential embarrassment. Dot's quick thinking averts a public-relations disaster, while Fletcher's suggestion to keep one photo for comic relief shows their trust and shared history. The moment lightens the Election Day tension and reinforces their camaraderie. -
How does Mary's gift of Hunter boots and a Carhartt coat symbolize her personal growth?
The practical, mud-proof gear contrasts sharply with the black leather coat she wore when she first arrived—a symbol of her urban sophistication. The gift represents her transformation into someone who understands and participates in farm life. Her tears at receiving them show she now values the relationships and community that come with wearing such gear, not just the fashion statement.