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 25: Virgil
byPicoult, Jodi
Virgil and Serenity rush to catch a flight to Tennessee in a desperate attempt to find Jenna and Gideon Cartwright, fearing the consequences if Jenna confronts Gideon first. The urgency stems from their suspicion that Gideon may be responsible for Jenna’s mother’s disappearance. Despite financial constraints, Serenity books expensive last-minute tickets using her credit card. At the airport, Virgil encounters a ticket machine error, forcing him to plead with an elderly airline employee who eventually assists him after hearing his heartfelt confession about the emergency.
After a frantic sprint through security, Virgil barely makes the flight, reuniting with Serenity onboard. Their journey is fraught with delays due to thunderstorms, leaving them exhausted upon arrival in Nashville. Serenity rents a car, and while waiting, Virgil discovers a potential lead in an old phone book: a listing for G. Cartwright in Brentwood. This serendipitous find redirects their search, as they decide to investigate the address instead of proceeding to Hohenwald.
The pair drives to Brentwood, arriving at a dilapidated house that appears abandoned. The neglected state of the property raises questions about Gideon’s whereabouts and whether Jenna has already been there. The eerie atmosphere of the dead-end street adds to the tension, leaving Virgil and Serenity to ponder their next steps as they prepare to confront the possibility of uncovering dark truths.
Throughout the chapter, Virgil’s determination and emotional vulnerability shine through, contrasting with Serenity’s pragmatic yet supportive role. The narrative builds suspense around Gideon’s potential guilt and Jenna’s safety, while also highlighting the themes of fate and intuition. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for a confrontation or revelation at the derelict house.
FAQs
1. What urgent situation causes Virgil and Serenity to rush to the airport, and what complications arise during their travel?
Answer:
Virgil and Serenity are rushing to catch a flight to Tennessee to prevent Jenna from potentially confronting Gideon Cartwright, whom they suspect may be responsible for her mother’s disappearance or death. The urgency stems from their fear that Gideon might harm Jenna if she finds him first. Complications arise when Virgil’s ticket requires agent assistance, causing a delay, and their flight is further disrupted by thunderstorms in Baltimore, forcing an overnight wait. Despite these obstacles, Virgil manages to board at the last minute through persistence and an unexpected act of kindness from an airline employee.2. How does Virgil’s interaction with the airline employee reflect his personal growth in this chapter?
Answer:
Virgil’s encounter with the elderly airline agent marks a moment of personal growth. Initially prepared to lie about a pregnant wife to cut the line, he instead offers a genuine confession about his mission to help someone in trouble. This honesty contrasts with his usual investigative tactics and demonstrates his emotional vulnerability. The agent’s response—”You don’t belong here”—prompts Virgil to reflect on his actions, and her eventual assistance highlights how authenticity can yield unexpected help. This moment underscores Virgil’s shift from detached professionalism to emotional investment in Jenna’s safety.3. What pivotal discovery do Virgil and Serenity make in Nashville, and how does it alter their plans?
Answer:
While searching for the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Virgil stumbles upon a listing for “Cartwright, G.” in a 2010 Brentwood phone directory. This serendipitous find leads them to divert their trip to Gideon Cartwright’s possible residence instead of proceeding blindly to the sanctuary. The discovery feels like a sign from the universe, as Serenity would say, and suggests Jenna might also be tracking Gideon. The dilapidated state of the Brentwood house hints at abandonment, raising questions about Gideon’s whereabouts and adding tension to their search.4. Analyze the significance of Serenity’s remark, “It’s almost like the universe is trying to tell me something.” How does this theme manifest in the chapter?
Answer:
Serenity’s comment reflects the chapter’s theme of fate and intuition guiding their investigation. Despite logistical hurdles (ticket issues, flight delays), Virgil and Serenity encounter unlikely aids—such as the airline agent’s help and the phone book clue—that propel them forward. These moments suggest a larger force at work, aligning with Serenity’s spiritual worldview. The theme underscores the idea that their search for truth isn’t just methodical but also divinely or cosmically assisted, blurring the line between coincidence and destiny.5. How does the chapter build suspense around Gideon Cartwright’s potential role in Jenna’s mother’s disappearance?
Answer:
Suspense is built through layered hints and urgent pacing. Virgil’s internal monologue explicitly states their suspicion that Gideon may have harmed Jenna’s mother, framing him as a threat if Jenna finds him first. The race to Tennessee, coupled with the detour to Gideon’s derelict house, heightens tension by delaying answers. The decaying property suggests Gideon’s absence or decline, leaving his motives and current actions ambiguous. This uncertainty, paired with Jenna’s parallel pursuit, creates a ticking-clock scenario where the stakes feel life-or-death.
Quotes
1. “Sugar, that is why God created credit cards.”
This quote captures Serenity’s pragmatic and generous nature, setting the tone for their urgent journey. It introduces the theme of financial sacrifice for a greater purpose while adding a touch of humor to a tense situation.
2. “You don’t belong here.” / “You’re right. I don’t. But I’m trying like hell to get there because someone I care about is in trouble.”
This exchange with the airline agent represents a pivotal moment of vulnerability for Virgil, where he abandons his usual tough exterior to confess his deeper motivations. It underscores the chapter’s theme of personal transformation through urgent purpose.
3. “Just remember, no matter what happens, you’ll get there eventually.”
The airline agent’s wisdom serves as both practical reassurance and a metaphorical statement about Virgil’s journey. This quote resonates as a thematic anchor for the chapter’s exploration of persistence and destiny.
4. “It is almost, as Serenity says, like the universe is trying to tell me something.”
This reflection marks a key turning point where Virgil begins trusting in synchronicity rather than just facts. It represents the chapter’s exploration of intuition versus logic in their investigation.
5. “The street was a dead end, which seemed fitting.”
This closing line creates powerful foreshadowing about their search for Gideon Cartwright. The symbolic description mirrors Virgil’s emotional state and hints at potential disappointments ahead in their quest.