Chapter 20 Summary & Analysis – The Widow
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Chapter 20 Summary
Simon arrives early at the Bombay Oven, a converted gas station café, to observe Eleanor’s dangerous driving. She arrives trailing a line of honking cars. Over lunch, Eleanor reveals that Wally Thackerman keeps calling about her estate; she feels guilty for hiding the new will. Simon dismisses Wally’s ethics, noting he secretly inserted a self-benefiting clause. Simon pushes Eleanor to finalize cremation and funeral plans; she becomes tearful, saying she has no family. He then asks for payment—over $3,000—and Eleanor casually agrees. Simon pays the $77.35 lunch bill, vowing to pad his future invoices. Back at his office, he lies to his secretary Tillie, billing $3,650 for traffic court and estate consultation without mentioning the will he drafted.
Key Events
- Eleanor arrives at the café causing a minor traffic disruption.
- She mentions Wally Thackerman’s persistent calls and her discomfort with hiding the new will.
- Simon convinces her to visit Wally to gauge his intentions.
- Simon insists on discussing cremation and funeral arrangements, leading to Eleanor crying.
- Simon raises his legal fees; Eleanor responds “Is that all?” and agrees to pay.
- Simon pays for lunch again, plans to inflate future bills.
- Simon meets with secretary Tillie, fabricates the nature of his work for Eleanor.
Character Development
- Simon Lafferty: Displays growing desperation for money. He manipulates Eleanor emotionally, feigns sympathy, and lies to his secretary. His earlier patience gives way to calculated greed.
- Eleanor “Netty” Barnett: Reveals deep loneliness and vulnerability. She trusts Simon despite his questionable motives, and her reluctance to discuss death highlights her isolation.
- Wally Thackerman (offstage): Remains a looming threat to Simon’s scheme, representing ethical legal practice that Simon now subverts.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Greed vs. Need: Simon’s financial desperation drives him to pressure Eleanor and pad bills, yet he justifies it as necessity.
- Deception: Simon lies to both Eleanor (about his intentions) and Tillie (about the will). The theme of hidden agendas pervades.
- Loneliness and Manipulation: Eleanor’s yearning for connection makes her an easy target for Simon, who exploits her desire for a “family” figure.
- Symbolism of the Bombay Oven: A chic restaurant in a former gas station mirrors the contrast between Simon’s polished professional image and his underlying grift.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a critical shift in Simon’s behavior: he moves from patient advisor to aggressive fee collector. His decision to lie to his secretary and pad bills foreshadows greater ethical compromises. Eleanor’s emotional breakdown and her casual acceptance of his fees underscore her vulnerability, making the outcome of their relationship unpredictable. The chapter also sets up a potential confrontation with Wally Thackerman, raising stakes for Simon’s secret will.
Study Questions & Answers
1. Why does Simon insist on discussing Eleanor’s funeral arrangements despite her obvious distress? Simon wants to complete the estate planning quickly so he can stop investing unpaid time. His insistence also serves to remind Eleanor of her dependence on him, reinforcing his control.
2. What does Eleanor’s willingness to pay over $3,000 without negotiation reveal about her character? It shows her trust in Simon, her lack of financial caution, and her desperate need for companionship. She values the relationship over the cost, making her an easy mark.
3. How does Simon’s conversation with Tillie reflect his growing deceit? He lies about the nature of his work (omitting the will) and inflates the billing. This marks a conscious step toward professional dishonesty, suggesting he will continue to exploit Eleanor for personal gain.