Chapter 12: Naomi — Summary, Themes, 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
In October 2022, seven months before her death, Naomi walks with Ben toward the Sterling eating club. They encounter a rowdy group of drunk juniors blocking the sidewalk. One of them, Pete Whitney, a lacrosse player, confronts them. When Pete moves to strike Naomi, Ben shoves him to the ground. Pete responds with a racial slur, calling them a derogatory term. Ben explains that Pete has a history of racist behavior, including a Confederate flag tattoo and a past suspension for a racist email, but his wealthy parents—a billionaire father and a congresswoman mother—shielded him from consequences. Ben reveals he tried to keep Pete out of Sterling but failed. Naomi privately notes that Pete is also a member of Greystone, a secret society.
Inside Sterling, Naomi and Ben have a few beers. Naomi spots Liam, her ex, with another woman. Ben notices and suggests making Liam jealous. They dance closely and kiss, and Naomi feels a vengeful thrill. They leave together and go to Ben's room, where he shows her his photography. Ben explains that his family obligations prevent him from pursuing photography as a career, despite his talent. They spend the night together, sharing intimate stories and connecting deeply.
The next morning, Liam calls and asks Naomi to meet him. At the Sterling library, he shows her an article reporting that Hunt Group, the investment firm where Naomi interned, is under scrutiny for insider trading and securities fraud. Liam warns that Hunt's legal team will interview all summer interns, including Naomi, and that the scandal could have serious implications for Greystone and Sterling.
Key Events
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Naomi and Ben encounter Pete Whitney and his friends outside Sterling.
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Pete attempts to strike Naomi; Ben shoves him down.
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Pete uses a racial slur, and Ben explains Pete's history of racism and privilege.
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Naomi realizes Pete is also in Greystone.
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Inside Sterling, Naomi sees Liam with another woman.
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Ben and Naomi dance and kiss to provoke Liam.
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They leave together and go to Ben's room.
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Ben shows his photography and discusses his family's expectations.
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They spend the night together, deepening their connection.
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The next morning, Liam calls and asks Naomi to meet him.
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Liam shows Naomi an article about Hunt Group's insider trading scandal.
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Liam warns that Naomi will be interviewed by Hunt's legal team.
Character Development
Naomi – This chapter reveals Naomi's vulnerability and her struggle with past bullying. The encounter with Pete triggers memories of eighth-grade harassment, showing how racism and classism have shaped her. Her relationship with Ben offers a new sense of intimacy and trust, as she shares personal stories she's never told her sister. At the same time, her lingering feelings for Liam complicate her emotions, and she uses Ben to provoke jealousy. The chapter also hints at her involvement with Greystone and her awareness of its secrets.
Ben – Ben emerges as a complex character. He is protective of Naomi, standing up to Pete, and he is open about his own experiences with racism. His passion for photography is evident, but he feels constrained by his family's expectations, believing that only someone with privilege like Naomi's could pursue an artistic career. His willingness to share his work and personal history with Naomi shows his growing trust and interest in her.
Liam – Though not present for much of the chapter, Liam's actions reveal his lingering attachment to Naomi. He calls her the morning after seeing her with Ben, and he goes out of his way to warn her about the Hunt Group investigation. His knowledge of the scandal and his connection to Greystone suggest he is deeply embedded in the society's inner workings.
Pete Whitney – Pete is a minor but significant character, embodying the racism and entitlement that pervade elite institutions. His behavior and Ben's explanation highlight how wealth and connections can shield individuals from accountability.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Racism and Class Privilege – The encounter with Pete Whitney illustrates how racism and class privilege intersect. Pete's wealth and family connections protect him from consequences, while his racial slur reveals the deep-seated prejudice that exists even within elite spaces. Ben's explanation underscores the systemic nature of this privilege.
Elite Institution Hypocrisy – Princeton's eating clubs and secret societies are portrayed as exclusive spaces that claim to be progressive but still harbor individuals like Pete. Naomi notes the diversity at Sterling, yet the presence of racists like Pete suggests a superficial change. The chapter also hints at the corruption within Greystone through the Hunt Group scandal.
Jealousy and Romantic Rivalry – Naomi's decision to dance with Ben to make Liam jealous shows her emotional turmoil. The chapter explores how jealousy can drive actions and complicate relationships.
Family Expectations and Immigrant Pressure – Ben's explanation about his family's expectations reflects the pressure many children of immigrants feel to pursue stable careers. His photography is a symbol of his artistic identity, which he feels he must suppress.
Corporate Scandal and Whistleblowing – The Hunt Group investigation introduces a major plot element. The article about insider trading and the potential interviews with interns suggest that Naomi may be caught in a larger web of corruption.
Vulnerability and Emotional Intimacy – Naomi and Ben's night together is marked by deep sharing and vulnerability. Naomi reads him a story about her sister and her own struggles, and Ben shows her his photographs and their stories. This intimacy contrasts with the superficiality of the party scene.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is pivotal for several reasons. It deepens Naomi's relationship with Ben, establishing a potential romantic connection that may have lasting consequences. It also introduces the Hunt Group scandal, which will likely drive the central mystery of the novel. The chapter reveals Naomi's awareness of Greystone's secrets, including Pete's membership, and hints at the society's financial entanglements. Additionally, the encounter with Pete Whitney highlights the themes of racism and privilege that are central to the story, setting up conflicts that may resurface later.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does the encounter with Pete Whitney reveal the intersection of racism and class privilege at Princeton?
Pete Whitney's behavior—attempting to strike Naomi and using a racial slur—demonstrates overt racism. Ben explains that Pete's wealthy parents, including a billionaire father and a congresswoman mother, have protected him from consequences, such as a past suspension for a racist email. This shows that class privilege can shield individuals from accountability, allowing racism to persist in elite institutions.
2. What does Ben's photography and his explanation about his family reveal about his character and his relationship with Naomi?
Ben's photography reveals his artistic talent and passion, but his explanation that he cannot pursue it because of family obligations shows his sense of duty and the pressure he feels as someone not from wealth. His willingness to share his work and personal stories with Naomi indicates growing trust and intimacy. It also highlights the contrast between their backgrounds, as Naomi's connection to the St. Clairs gives her more opportunities.
3. How does Liam's warning about Hunt Group affect Naomi's understanding of her summer internship and the secrets of Greystone?
Liam's warning that Hunt Group is under investigation for insider trading and that Naomi will be interviewed makes her realize that her internship may have been connected to illegal activities. It also suggests that Greystone, which has financial ties to Hunt, could be implicated. This warning forces Naomi to reconsider her involvement and the hidden workings of the secret society.