The Giver of Stars
Chapter 26: Twenty-six
by Moyes, JojoThe chapter opens with Alice arriving early at the courthouse, exhausted and anxious about Margery’s trial. She brings cornbread for Margery, but Officer Dulles informs her that Margery has barely eaten. Alice joins her friends in the public gallery, where they notice Sven sitting rigidly, clearly distressed. Margery is led into the courtroom, her demeanor subdued, as Judge Arthurs enters and the proceedings begin. The tension is palpable, with Alice and her friends clinging to each other for support.
The defense argues that Margery is a victim of circumstance, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence linking her to the crime. Just as the defense concludes, Kathleen Bligh arrives breathlessly and requests to introduce a new witness. Despite objections from the prosecution, Judge Arthurs allows Verna McCullough, the daughter of the deceased Clem McCullough, to testify. The courtroom erupts in murmurs as Verna, visibly pregnant, makes her way to the witness stand, her presence hinting at a potential turning point in the case.
Verna’s testimony reveals a troubled family history, including her mother’s mysterious disappearance and her father’s violent tendencies. She explains that her father left home five days before Christmas, claiming he was returning a library book—a statement that shocks the courtroom. Verna’s calm demeanor and lack of concern for her father’s absence suggest his behavior was typical, further casting doubt on the prosecution’s case. The tension escalates as Margery, previously withdrawn, finally looks up, sensing a shift in the trial’s dynamics.
The chapter ends with the courtroom in uproar after Verna’s revelation, leaving the outcome of the trial uncertain. Alice and her friends cling to each other, their hope for Margery’s acquittal renewed. Verna’s testimony not only challenges the prosecution’s narrative but also hints at deeper family secrets that could exonerate Margery. The scene sets the stage for a dramatic resolution, with the truth about Clem McCullough’s death poised to come to light.
FAQs
1. What key revelation does Verna McCullough provide in her testimony, and why is it significant to Margery’s case?
Answer:
Verna McCullough reveals that her father, Clem McCullough, told her he was “going to return his library book” when he left home five days before Christmas—the last time she saw him. This testimony is crucial because it directly contradicts the prosecution’s claim that Margery O’Hare was involved in his death based on the library book found near his body. Verna’s statement suggests the book was legitimately in Clem’s possession, weakening the case against Margery. The courtroom’s shocked reaction underscores how this testimony shifts the narrative of the case.2. Analyze how Alice’s behavior and emotional state in this chapter reflect her relationship with Margery.
Answer:
Alice demonstrates deep loyalty and concern for Margery throughout the chapter. She arrives early at the courthouse, brings food despite Margery’s refusal to eat, and maintains a tense, protective stance during the proceedings. Her abrupt response to Officer Dulles (“I was busy”) hints at her preoccupation with Margery’s fate. The physical reactions—swallowing painfully when seeing Sven, gripping Izzy’s hand—reveal her emotional investment. These details collectively show Alice’s transformation from an outsider to someone deeply committed to Margery’s wellbeing, highlighting the strength of their bond forged through their library work.3. How does the author use Verna McCullough’s physical appearance and demeanor to create impact in the courtroom scene?
Answer:
Verna’s heavily pregnant state and hesitant demeanor amplify the scene’s dramatic tension. Her “low and huge” belly and difficulty standing provoke audible shock, forcing the court to confront her vulnerability. Her whispered voice and request to sit down evoke sympathy, contrasting with her father’s violent reputation. This visual symbolism underscores Verna as both a victim of her father’s abuse and a reluctant truth-teller. The physicality of her presence makes her testimony about Clem’s departure (“return his library book”) more poignant, as it implicitly questions why such a fragile witness was ignored by investigators earlier.4. What does the judge’s handling of Verna’s testimony reveal about the legal system’s biases in this context?
Answer:
The judge’s pragmatic approach—overruling the prosecution’s objection to Verna’s late testimony—suggests a willingness to prioritize truth over procedure, albeit unusually. His pointed question about why sheriff’s deputies didn’t pursue Verna earlier (“Did the sheriff’s men not go up to Arnott’s Ridge?”) hints at systemic negligence toward marginalized women like Verna. However, his instruction to strike her comment about her mother’s fate (“my daddy would kill her”) shows lingering procedural caution. This duality reflects a legal system that can correct oversights but remains constrained by its own norms.5. Why might Kathleen Bligh’s role in bringing Verna to testify be significant thematically?
Answer:
Kathleen’s sweaty, breathless arrival with Verna embodies the theme of women supporting women against patriarchal oppression. As the only person who sought Verna out, Kathleen challenges the town’s indifference to McCullough’s abused daughter. Her urgency (“material bearing on the case”) contrasts with the prosecution’s reluctance, highlighting how institutional systems fail vulnerable individuals. By facilitating Verna’s voice, Kathleen mirrors the Packhorse Librarians’ broader mission of connecting isolated people—here, literally bringing a hidden truth to light. This act reinforces the novel’s exploration of female solidarity as a counterforce to injustice.
Quotes
1. “‘You didn’t come yesterday.’ ‘I was busy.’”
This terse exchange between Alice and Officer Dulles reveals the tension and emotional strain surrounding Margery’s trial. Alice’s abruptness hints at her hidden efforts to help Margery, while Dulles’ observation underscores the gravity of the situation.
2. “‘Miss Margery O’Hare here is a victim of unhappy circumstance. She was, if you like, in the wrong place at the wrong time.’”
The defense counsel’s opening argument frames Margery’s plight as a matter of misfortune rather than guilt. This quote encapsulates the central conflict of the trial and introduces the theme of injustice, as Margery’s fate hinges on circumstantial evidence.
3. “‘Oh, I believe her to be dead. Because she always said my daddy would kill her one day.’”
Verna McCullough’s chilling testimony about her mother’s disappearance exposes the brutality of her father, Clem McCullough. This revelation shifts the courtroom dynamics, casting doubt on the prosecution’s case and hinting at a deeper history of violence.
4. “‘He said he was going to return his library book.’”
Verna’s bombshell statement about her father’s last known whereabouts directly ties him to Margery’s library, undermining the prosecution’s case. This pivotal moment in the trial introduces a critical piece of evidence that could exonerate Margery.
5. “There was an outburst from the public gallery, a sound that might have been shock or a burst of laughter, or a mixture of both; it was hard to tell.”
This reaction captures the collective tension and disbelief in the courtroom as Verna’s testimony unfolds. The ambiguity of the crowd’s response mirrors the unpredictability of the trial’s outcome and the emotional weight of the revelations.