The Divorce Chapter 20 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

Naomi arrives at the rundown office building of lawyer Ezra Fletcher, recommended by Stefanie Gorman. The building is in a sketchy neighborhood with boarded-up stores, and the elevator is out of order, forcing her to climb five flights of groaning stairs. Fletcher’s office is small, cluttered with papers and bookcases, and he himself appears unkempt—wrinkled shirt, loose tie, unshaven. Despite the disarray, his confident talk about fighting a hospital’s negligence makes Naomi reconsider his competence. He reviews her prenup and immediately declares it a mess, claiming it was clearly coerced and would not hold up in court. Naomi admits her husband Jeremy is having an affair but hesitates to pursue the divorce, still believing he loves her. Fletcher reminds her that New York is a no-fault state, so the affair won’t help legally, and urges her to think about protecting herself and her child. Reluctantly, Naomi agrees to move forward with the divorce.

Key Events

Naomi arrives at the decrepit office building and climbs five flights of stairs because the elevator is broken.
She meets Ezra Fletcher, whose messy office and appearance initially make her doubt Stefanie’s recommendation.
Fletcher sets aside stacks of paper to give her a seat and briefly explains he is reviewing a hospital negligence case.
He examines the prenup and states it would likely be deemed coerced and unenforceable.
Naomi reveals Jeremy’s affair with another woman but shows reluctance to end the marriage.
Fletcher explains that New York’s no-fault divorce law means the affair won’t affect financial or custody outcomes.
He convinces her to prioritize her own and her child’s security, and she finally agrees to proceed.
He slams his hand on the desk, toppling a stack of papers, marking their start.

Character Development

Naomi Roth: Still conflicted about the divorce, she initially defends her husband’s actions and clings to the hope that he still loves her. Her discomfort in the chaotic office mirrors her inner turmoil. By the end, she accepts that she must protect herself and her daughter, showing a shift toward pragmatism.
Ezra Fletcher: Introduced as an unconventional, disorganized lawyer, he reveals sharp legal insight and genuine empathy. His messy office and casual demeanor contrast with his sharp analysis of the prenup and his ability to earn Naomi’s trust. He is single (no wedding band) and seems dedicated to his clients.
Jeremy (offstage): Though not present, his character is further defined through Naomi’s descriptions: she believes he is under his mistress’s spell and still loves her, yet he served divorce papers publicly and drained their joint accounts.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Appearance vs. Reality: The run-down office and Fletcher’s disheveled look initially seem to signal incompetence, but his confident legal knowledge proves otherwise. This theme echoes Naomi’s own situation—the marriage that looked solid is now falling apart.
Trust and Betrayal: Naomi admits she signed the prenup without a lawyer because she trusted Jeremy. Fletcher’s comment that “everyone thinks their marriage is going to last forever” underscores how trust can lead to vulnerability.
Coercion and Control: Fletcher’s assertion that the prenup was coerced introduces the idea that Jeremy may have used pressure or manipulation, even if Naomi does not see it that way. This sets up a potential legal argument.
No-Fault Divorce: The chapter explains that New York’s laws do not consider adultery when dividing assets or custody, which frustrates Naomi’s desire for justice but forces her to focus on practical strategies.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in Naomi’s legal journey. She gains a lawyer who, despite his unorthodox appearance, seems capable of challenging Jeremy’s prenup. It also crystallizes the emotional conflict Naomi faces: she still loves Jeremy and wants to believe the affair is a temporary spell, but Fletcher’s blunt advice pushes her toward self-preservation. For the reader, it deepens the suspense about the marital history and the prenup’s validity, setting up future legal battles and potential revelations about coercion.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Naomi initially resist the idea of getting a divorce, even after learning about the affair?
Answer: Naomi still loves Jeremy and believes he loves her too, but that he is under the influence of his mistress. She hopes the marriage can be saved and does not want to give up on it.
What legal advantage does Fletcher see in the prenup, and why does he call it a “mess”?
Answer: He believes the prenup was obtained through coercion—Naomi signed without a lawyer and under pressure—making it likely unenforceable. He implies that Jeremy’s actions were overconfident and legally weak.
How does the setting of Fletcher’s office serve as a symbol in this chapter?
Answer: The chaotic office—with its overflowing papers, broken elevator, and flickering lights—reflects the disorder in Naomi’s life. It also contrasts with Fletcher’s sharp mind, teaching Naomi (and the reader) not to judge based on appearances.