My Sister’s Keeper
WEDNESDAY JULIA
by Picoult, JodieThe chapter opens with Julia’s frustration as her sister Isobel reorganizes her apartment, highlighting their contrasting personalities. Julia, the more rebellious sibling, now leads a conventional life, while Isobel, the former “Goody Two-shoes,” lives unconventionally as a lesbian artist. Their tension escalates when Julia cruelly references Isobel’s recent breakup, causing a tearful confrontation. Despite their bickering, Julia comforts Isobel, revealing their deep, if complicated, bond. The sisters reconcile with humor, joking about naming Julia’s toilet after Isobel’s ex, Janet, showcasing their ability to navigate conflict through wit.
Julia’s professional life interrupts the personal drama when Judge DeSalvo calls, asking her to serve as a guardian ad litem for a 13-year-old girl, Anna, seeking medical emancipation. Though hesitant, Julia agrees, recognizing the urgency. The case’s complexity is hinted at by phrases like “mother with legal background,” suggesting potential familial conflict. Julia’s internal struggle is evident as she questions her ability to help Anna, mirroring her own unresolved emotional needs. The chapter subtly parallels Julia’s role as a protector in both her personal and professional life.
The narrative shifts to Julia’s first meeting with Anna, who is wary and independent. Anna’s skepticism about Julia’s identity reflects her cautious nature, while Julia admires her discernment. Their interaction reveals Anna’s concern for her sister Kate, hinting at the family dynamics central to the case. Julia’s decision to take Anna to the zoo—a tactic she uses to put children at ease—fails to break through Anna’s reserve, emphasizing the girl’s maturity and the case’s gravity. Anna’s brief mention of hockey and her guilt over missing games underscores her sense of responsibility.
The chapter closes with Julia reflecting on the zebras at the zoo, symbolizing her desire for a black-and-white world amid life’s complexities. Anna’s guardedness and Julia’s self-doubt linger, foreshadowing the challenges ahead. Julia’s internal conflict—balancing her professional duty with personal insecurities—mirrors the broader themes of family, responsibility, and moral ambiguity. The chapter sets the stage for Julia’s journey as Anna’s advocate while exploring her own need for emotional resolution.
FAQs
1. How does the relationship dynamic between Julia and her sister Isobel evolve throughout the chapter, and what does this reveal about their personalities?
Answer:
The chapter reveals a complex sibling relationship where Julia, despite being the younger twin by three minutes, has historically taken on a protective role for Isobel. While Julia describes herself as the rebellious one who “comes up fighting,” she now holds a conventional job, whereas Isobel—the former “Goody Two-shoes”—lives a more unconventional life as a lesbian artist. Their interaction shows both tension (e.g., arguments over kitchen cleanliness) and deep care (Julia comforting Isobel after the Janet remark). This contrast highlights how their roles have partially reversed since childhood, yet Julia’s instinct to protect remains, as seen when she follows Isobel into the bathroom. Their dynamic underscores how sibling relationships can balance conflict with unconditional support.2. What does Anna’s initial skepticism toward Julia reveal about her character, and how does Julia respond to this challenge?
Answer:
Anna’s wariness—questioning Julia’s credentials and referencing a kidnapping story—demonstrates her cautious, analytical nature. Unlike younger children Julia has worked with, Anna doesn’t blindly trust authority. Julia responds not with frustration but by validating Anna’s caution, offering her driver’s license and legal documents to inspect. This moment establishes Anna as a thoughtful individual who has likely weighed her emancipation decision carefully, while also showing Julia’s adaptability as a guardian ad litem. Julia recognizes Anna’s maturity by treating her skepticism as a strength rather than defiance, which helps build initial rapport despite the awkward zoo visit.3. Analyze the significance of Julia’s internal thought: “What I don’t tell my sister is that I’m talking about me” in relation to the chapter’s themes.
Answer:
This line reveals Julia’s subconscious identification with Anna’s need for help, hinting at unresolved personal struggles beneath her professional exterior. While Julia presents herself as the put-together sister (contrasted with Isobel’s emotional outburst), her admission suggests she too feels “in crisis”—whether from loneliness (“The last time I had a date was when I bought that yogurt”) or career pressures. The parallel between Julia and Anna introduces themes of hidden vulnerability and the idea that helpers often need help themselves. It also foreshadows how Julia’s personal history might influence her approach to Anna’s case, adding depth to her role as an advocate.4. How does the author use humor to develop the relationship between Julia and Isobel, and what effect does this have on the narrative tone?
Answer:
Humor serves as both a tension-reliever and a bond between the sisters, particularly through witty exchanges like naming the toilet “Janet” after Isobel’s ex. This banter softens the chapter’s heavier themes (failed relationships, career stress) while showcasing their shared history and resilience. The contrast between their childhood personas (rebel Julia vs. rule-follower Isobel) and their adult roles also carries irony—Julia now works within the system, while Isobel challenges norms. This humor prevents the sibling conflict from feeling overly hostile and makes their reconciliation more natural, ultimately humanizing both characters and balancing the chapter’s emotional weight with levity.
Quotes
1. “AFTER TWO HOURS OF LIVING with my sister again, I’m finding it hard to believe we ever comfortably shared a womb.”
This opening line perfectly captures the sibling tension between Julia and Isobel, setting the tone for their complex relationship dynamic. It contrasts their current friction with their biological origins, highlighting how relationships evolve over time.
2. “I’m her nuclear bomb: when there’s something upsetting her, I go in and lay waste to it, whether that’s one of our six older brothers teasing her or the evil Janet, who decided she wasn’t gay after seven years into a committed relationship with Izzy.”
This quote reveals Julia’s protective nature toward her sister despite their differences, showing how their roles have developed since childhood. It also introduces important backstory about Isobel’s broken relationship.
3. “A GAL is appointed by a court to be a child’s advocate during legal proceedings that involve a minor. You don’t have to be a lawyer to be trained as a GAL, but you do have to have a moral compass and a heart. Which, actually, probably renders most lawyers unqualified for the job.”
This passage explains Julia’s professional role while showcasing her wry humor and perspective on the legal system. It establishes her cynical yet compassionate worldview that informs her approach to the case.
4. “If I am a psychotic killer, then I have done my homework well. But there is a part of me already giving Anna credit for being wary: this is not a child who rushes headlong into situations.”
This thought process demonstrates Julia’s professional insight and immediate connection with Anna. It reveals Julia’s ability to appreciate a child’s caution while establishing Anna’s thoughtful character.
5. “They’d be one of the few things that would fit if we were lucky enough to live in a world that’s black or white.”
Julia’s reflection on zebras serves as a metaphor for her legal work and the moral complexities she faces. This philosophical observation reveals her underlying desire for clear-cut solutions in messy situations.