Leaving Time
“Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult is a gripping novel that intertwines mystery, grief, and the bond between humans and elephants. The story follows Jenna Metcalf, a 13-year-old girl searching for her mother, Alice, a renowned elephant researcher who disappeared a decade earlier under mysterious circumstances. With the help of a skeptical psychic and a disgraced detective, Jenna uncovers buried secrets about her mother’s work and the tragic events at an elephant sanctuary. The novel explores themes of memory, loss, and maternal love, while weaving in fascinating insights into elephant behavior and emotions. Picoult blends emotional depth with suspense, culminating in a surprising twist that redefines the narrative.
Chapter 19: Virgil
byPicoult, Jodi
The chapter opens with Virgil reflecting on a pivotal moment when Thomas Metcalf’s violent reaction to a pebble necklace revealed a rare clarity in his otherwise unstable demeanor. Virgil, now in his office, grapples with physical discomfort—initially dismissed as heartburn but possibly linked to a growing intuition about the case. His workspace is cluttered with meticulously arranged evidence from old police files, suggesting his renewed dedication to uncovering the truth behind Nevvie Ruehl’s death, which was previously ruled an accident but now seems suspicious.
Virgil acknowledges his past inefficiencies, including failing to clear out evidence boxes, which serendipitously preserved crucial materials. He speculates about the motives of Alice Metcalf, who disappeared after Nevvie’s death, leaving behind her daughter Jenna. Virgil questions whether Alice fled to escape guilt or pursue something else, and why she abandoned her child. The discovery of Alice’s hair on Nevvie’s body adds complexity, leaving open whether it was incidental or indicative of foul play.
The narrative shifts to Virgil’s interaction with his landlady, Abigail, who interrupts his musings with her skepticism about his chaotic workspace. Their banter reveals Virgil’s unexpected sobriety, attributing his newfound focus to Jenna’s influence. Abigail’s belief in communication with the dead contrasts with Virgil’s pragmatic approach, though her mention of “dead men talking” subtly echoes his own unresolved questions about the case.
Virgil’s internal conflict is palpable as he weighs the possibilities of Thomas, Alice, or Gideon being responsible for Nevvie’s death. His determination to prove it was murder drives him, even as he navigates personal and professional setbacks. The chapter underscores Virgil’s dogged pursuit of justice, fueled by Jenna’s persistence and his own unresolved doubts, while hinting at deeper mysteries surrounding Alice’s disappearance and the true nature of Nevvie’s demise.
FAQs
1. What crucial piece of evidence caused Thomas Metcalf to react strongly, and why does Virgil find this significant?
Answer:
The crucial piece of evidence was a pebble necklace, which triggered an intense reaction from Thomas Metcalf. Virgil notes that while Thomas was unstable, his rage upon seeing the necklace revealed a rare clarity, suggesting it held personal significance. This reaction makes Virgil question the official narrative of Nevvie Ruehl’s death, as strong emotional responses can indicate deeper truths. The pebble might connect to unresolved events from that night, prompting Virgil to re-examine whether the death was truly an accident or involved foul play by Thomas, Alice, or Gideon.2. How does Virgil justify continuing to investigate the case despite being “fired” by Jenna Metcalf?
Answer:
Virgil rationalizes his continued involvement by dismissing Jenna’s dismissal as impulsive, attributing it to teenage indecisiveness (“changed her mind six times this morning before she decided on a breakfast cereal”). He also feels personally invested in uncovering the truth about Nevvie Ruehl’s death, which he now suspects was not an accidental trampling. His access to preserved evidence—due to bureaucratic inefficiency—fuels his determination. Additionally, Jenna’s case has unexpectedly given him purpose, even helping him abstain from alcohol, which reinforces his commitment to solving the mystery.3. Analyze Virgil’s theory about Alice Metcalf’s disappearance. What are the possible motivations he considers?
Answer:
Virgil theorizes that Alice either fled to escape something (e.g., guilt over Nevvie’s death, her husband’s instability) or to pursue something (e.g., freedom, Gideon). He questions why she wouldn’t take Jenna if her motive were benign, suggesting her departure might be tied to the night of Nevvie’s death. The presence of Alice’s hair on Nevvie’s body complicates matters—it could imply involvement in the crime or innocent contact. Virgil’s uncertainty reflects the duality of Alice’s potential roles: victim or perpetrator.4. How does the interaction with Abigail highlight Virgil’s personal growth in this chapter?
Answer:
Abigail’s surprise at Virgil’s sobriety underscores his transformation. For the first time in years, he hasn’t craved alcohol, attributing this change to Jenna’s case reigniting his sense of purpose. Their banter also reveals Virgil’s sharper mental state compared to past “benders.” While Abigail initially suspects him of running a meth lab, his clarity in explaining the evidence signals professional re-engagement. The exchange subtly contrasts his previous self-destructive habits with his current focused determination, marking a turning point in his character arc.5. Evaluate Virgil’s skepticism about Abigail’s belief in communicating with the dead. How does this relate to his investigative approach?
Answer:
Virgil mockingly dismisses Abigail’s claim that her deceased husband sends coded messages, reflecting his rational, evidence-based mindset as a detective. His sarcasm (“You two have discussions all the time?”) contrasts with Abigail’s mysticism, reinforcing his reliance on tangible proof. This attitude aligns with his frustration over Nevvie’s inability to “talk” as a witness. Yet, his work hinges on interpreting indirect clues (like the pebble or hair evidence), suggesting that while he rejects the supernatural, he understands the power of symbolic or hidden truths in solving crimes.
Quotes
1. “Rage often brings out the real person.”
This observation by Virgil highlights a key investigative insight—that extreme emotions can reveal hidden truths. It foreshadows the revelation about Thomas Metcalf’s behavior and sets the tone for Virgil’s re-examination of the case.
2. “Jenna Metcalf hasn’t just ignited a spark of purpose in me. She’s managed to dry me out, cold turkey, the way three rehab centers couldn’t.”
This powerful statement shows Virgil’s personal transformation through his involvement in Jenna’s case. It demonstrates how meaningful work can catalyze change where conventional methods failed, marking a turning point in his character arc.
3. “People who run away either have something they’re trying to reach or something they’re trying to avoid. I’m just not sure, in this case, which one it was.”
This quote encapsulates the central mystery about Alice Metcalf’s disappearance. Virgil’s analytical perspective frames the core question driving the investigation while acknowledging its complexity.
4. “Dead men don’t talk… Dead men can talk.”
This exchange between Virgil and Abigail presents contrasting views about accessing truth from the deceased. It introduces the theme of communication beyond death while highlighting Virgil’s skepticism versus others’ spiritual beliefs.
5. “If I’m going to figure out who the murderer is, first I need proof that this was a murder.”
This statement represents Virgil’s professional methodology and the chapter’s central investigative challenge. It shows his commitment to evidence-based conclusions while acknowledging his past mistakes in the case.