Chapter 1 Summary: Clover's Introduction

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with a stark, matter-of-fact line: the narrator, Clover, was five years old the first time she watched someone die. The scene is a kindergarten classroom. Mr. Hyland, a cheerful, round-faced teacher with a shiny scalp, is reading Peter Rabbit to the class. He is known for his theatrical storytelling, and the children are captivated. Clover remembers his meaty thighs spilling over the edges of a child-sized chair and his unusually rosy cheeks. As the story reaches its climax—Peter Rabbit losing his jacket while fleeing Mr. McGregor—Mr. Hyland pauses, as if for dramatic effect. Then he makes a hiccup-like sound, his eyes bulge, and he topples to the ground like a felled tree.

The children sit motionless, unsure whether this is part of his performance. When he doesn't move or blink, panic erupts. Everyone screams except Clover. She moves close enough to hear the final push of air from his lungs. As other teachers rush in, she sits beside him, holding his hand calmly while the last blush of color drains from his face.

After the incident, the school recommends counseling for Clover. Her parents, described as self-absorbed, notice no significant change in her behavior. They buy her ice cream, pat her on the head, and conclude that she's fine—reasoning that she's always been slightly odd. Clover admits she was mostly fine, but she has wondered ever since what Mr. Hyland's last words would have been had they not been about the antics of a naughty rabbit.

Key Events

• Clover, at age five, witnesses her kindergarten teacher's sudden death during story time.

• Mr. Hyland collapses after making a hiccup-like sound and his eyes bulge.

• The other children panic, but Clover remains calm and approaches him.

• She hears his final breath and holds his hand as his face loses color.

• The school recommends counseling, but Clover's parents dismiss the need.

• Her parents buy her ice cream and attribute her behavior to her being