Serpent & Dove
Where You Go: Lou
by Mahurin, ShelbyLou and Reid share a poignant moment on the rooftop of Soleil et Lune, the tallest building in Cesarine, where the night sky stretches endlessly above them. Despite Reid’s fear of heights, Lou coaxes him to open his eyes, revealing a breathtaking view of stars. The scene is intimate, with Lou reflecting on the sky’s beauty and her belief in a higher power, though not necessarily the one Reid worships. Their conversation turns philosophical as Lou challenges the patriarchal interpretations of religion, while Reid defends his faith, albeit with growing uncertainty.
Tensions arise as Lou confronts Reid about the Archbishop’s views on women, questioning whether Reid sees her as his property. Reid vehemently denies this, expressing his deep respect for her, even as he struggles to reconcile his loyalty to the Archbishop with his growing feelings for Lou. The emotional weight of their exchange is palpable, revealing the complexities of their relationship and the conflicting ideologies that shape their lives. Reid’s admission that the Archbishop “gave me you” sparks a tender moment, with Lou suggesting their union was orchestrated by a higher power.
The mood shifts as Reid presents Lou with a heartfelt gift—his mother’s wedding ring, a symbol of his love and commitment. Overwhelmed by emotion, Lou accepts the ring, realizing the depth of her feelings for him. The moment is charged with vulnerability as both characters grapple with the intensity of their connection. Lou’s internal monologue reveals her startling realization that she loves Reid, a revelation that both excites and terrifies her, marking a turning point in their relationship.
The chapter culminates in a passionate exchange, with Reid quoting biblical verses about devotion while Lou surrenders to her desires. Their physical and emotional intimacy reaches a crescendo as Lou acknowledges her longing for Reid, abandoning pretense and embracing their bond fully. The scene is electric with unspoken promises and raw emotion, leaving readers anticipating the next steps in their tumultuous yet deeply affectionate relationship.
FAQs
1. How does Lou’s perspective on religion differ from Reid’s, and what does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Lou expresses a nuanced belief in a higher power, stating, “I never said it was your god,” while critiquing the patriarchal aspects of Reid’s religion (page 336). She references biblical gender inequality, asking if wives are considered property. In contrast, Reid defends the Archbishop, claiming he was “given everything” including purpose and Lou herself (page 337). This dichotomy reveals Lou’s independent, critical thinking and Reid’s deep-seated loyalty to institutional authority, even as he begins to question it. Their debate underscores Lou’s progressive values versus Reid’s ingrained traditionalism, highlighting their emotional and ideological tension.
2. Analyze the symbolic significance of the rooftop setting and the stars in this chapter.
Answer:
The rooftop of Soleil et Lune—the tallest building in Cesarine—serves as a liminal space above the city’s “smoke” and “smell,” offering an “unimpeded view of the sky” (page 335-336). The stars, described as “obsidian and diamond,” symbolize infinity and possibility, mirroring Lou and Reid’s evolving relationship. Lou’s remark that God “paints the sky just for me” ties the setting to her personal spirituality, while Reid’s awe at the view suggests his capacity for wonder beyond dogma. The height also ironically contrasts with Reid’s fear, emphasizing vulnerability—a theme echoed in their emotional revelations later in the scene.
3. How does the exchange of the wedding ring deepen the emotional stakes of the chapter?
Answer:
Reid’s gift of his mother’s ring—a “thin, beaten gold” band with a pearl stone—carries profound emotional weight (page 338). His confession that it reminds him of “the sea… of you” ties Lou to his fragmented past, symbolizing trust and intimacy. Lou’s internal realization—”I loved him”—marks a turning point (page 338-339), as the ring becomes a physical manifestation of their bond. The act of replacing Angelica’s Ring with his own also signifies Reid’s desire to redefine their marriage beyond duty. This moment escalates the chapter’s tension, merging vulnerability with romantic commitment.
4. Interpret Reid’s quotation, “‘Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay’” (page 339). How does it reflect his character development?
Answer:
Reid’s quote, likely adapted from Ruth 1:16, subverts his earlier rigid adherence to the Archbishop’s ideology. By pledging loyalty to Lou—not the Church—he demonstrates emotional growth. The physicality of the scene (his lips on her neck, whispered words) contrasts with his usual restraint, revealing a shift from dogma to personal devotion. This mirrors his earlier defiance in calling the Archbishop “mistaken” (page 337). The quotation encapsulates his arc in the chapter: moving from institutional obedience to a choice rooted in love, though this creates tension with his established identity.
5. Lou’s internal monologue shifts dramatically after receiving the ring. What literary techniques does the author use to convey this, and why are they effective?
Answer:
The author employs stream-of-consciousness (“Shit. I loved him.”), fragmented sentences (“Hyperventilating. That’s what I was doing.”), and sensory details (“Blood roared in my ears”) to mirror Lou’s panic (page 338-339). These techniques create immediacy, immersing readers in her emotional turmoil. The repetition of “I wanted him” builds rhythmic intensity, reflecting desire and fear. The juxtaposition of physical reactions (“trembling,” “jarring breath”) with abstract realizations underscores the scene’s raw authenticity. This style effectively captures Lou’s vulnerability, making her love confession feel earned and visceral.
Quotes
1. “I like to think God paints the sky just for me on nights like this.”
This quote captures Lou’s personal and unconventional spirituality, contrasting with Reid’s more traditional beliefs. It represents a key moment of vulnerability and wonder as they share the rooftop view, highlighting Lou’s poetic perspective on divinity.
2. “I never said it was your god. Your god hates women. We were an afterthought.”
A powerful critique of patriarchal religion, this quote encapsulates Lou’s feminist worldview and the central tension in their relationship. It sparks their theological debate about gender roles and religious authority.
3. “The Archbishop didn’t give me to you, Reid. He did—or she.”
This significant moment shows Lou redirecting Reid’s gratitude from the patriarchal Archbishop to a more abstract, potentially feminine divine force. It marks a subtle shift in Reid’s perspective while affirming Lou’s spiritual autonomy.
4. “It reminds me of the sea… of you. I’ve wanted to give it to you for days now.”
Reid’s emotional gift of his mother’s ring represents a pivotal moment of intimacy and commitment. The poetic comparison to the sea reflects their deep connection and the merging of their personal histories.
5. “‘Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay.’”
Reid’s biblical quotation becomes a deeply personal vow, transforming religious text into romantic devotion. This climactic moment captures their emotional and physical union, blending spiritual and earthly love in a way that bridges their ideological differences.