The Book of Love
The Book of Susannah 8
by Link, KellyThe chapter opens with Susannah grappling with the consequences of her actions, particularly her hurtful words to Laura and the damage she caused to Laura’s guitar. Feeling isolated and burdened by guilt, Susannah retreats to a quiet park bench, seeking solace beneath the snow. Her physical discomfort, symbolized by a persistent splinter in her foot, mirrors her internal turmoil. As she sits alone, she anxiously wonders if Laura will reveal her misdeeds to Ruth, suspecting that both women are concerned about her mysterious behavior and mental state.
Susannah’s solitude is interrupted by the arrival of a girl named Bowie, who seems both familiar and enigmatic. Bowie recognizes Susannah and acknowledges a shared tension involving a figure named Bogomil, whom Susannah initially insists is imaginary. Bowie challenges this belief, revealing Bogomil’s dangerous reality and his relentless pursuit linked to a boy named Kristofer. Their conversation delves into themes of identity, temper, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, as Bowie encourages Susannah to confront the splinter in her foot, a metaphor for the lingering pain and secrets Susannah tries to ignore.
The act of removing the splinter serves as a turning point, allowing Susannah to cross metaphorical boundaries between her known world and a confusing new reality. She reflects on the strange events around her—her sister and friends’ inexplicable disappearances and returns, and the haunting presence of Bogomil. Bowie helps Susannah piece together fragments of memory and experience, including the repeated breaking of Laura’s guitar, which symbolizes Susannah’s fractured sense of self and fractured relationships. Together, they acknowledge the danger posed by Thomas, Bogomil’s pursuer, deepening the sense of imminent threat.
To escape this peril, Susannah and Bowie decide to leave the immediate environment, opting to take a bus to the hospital where Susannah’s mother works. This plan not only represents a physical journey but also a step toward understanding and confronting the complex forces at play in Susannah’s life. Despite confusion and fear, Susannah begins to accept Bowie’s guidance, ready to explore the mysteries surrounding her, the supernatural threats, and the fractured connections with her family and friends. The chapter closes with a fragile hope that clarity and safety might be found beyond the snow-covered park.
FAQs
1. What internal conflicts is Susannah experiencing in this chapter, and how do they manifest in her actions and thoughts?
Answer:
Susannah is grappling with confusion, guilt, and uncertainty throughout the chapter. She questions why she said hurtful things to Laura and reflects on the consequences of her actions, such as breaking Laura’s guitar twice. This guilt is compounded by her inability to understand her own behavior and the mysterious events surrounding her, including the reality of Bogomil and the unexplained disappearance and return of her sister and friends. Her internal conflict is physically manifested by the splinter in her foot, symbolizing a hidden pain or problem she needs to confront. The act of removing the splinter parallels her attempt to face her inner turmoil and seek clarity.2. How does the character Bowie function in this chapter, and what significance does she have in Susannah’s journey?
Answer:
Bowie serves as both a guide and a confidante for Susannah. She appears as a mysterious, yet familiar figure who knows Susannah’s name and offers insight into the supernatural elements affecting Susannah’s life, such as the threat posed by Bogomil. Bowie encourages Susannah to confront her physical and emotional pain (removing the splinter) and provides explanations about the dangers they face, specifically relating to Kristofer and Thomas. Bowie’s presence helps Susannah navigate the confusing overlap between reality and the strange occurrences in her life, positioning Bowie as a catalyst for Susannah’s deeper understanding and progression in the narrative.3. What does the splinter symbolize in the context of the chapter, and how does its removal relate to Susannah’s character development?
Answer:
The splinter symbolizes a lingering, painful problem that Susannah has been avoiding or unaware of, much like her emotional and psychological struggles. It represents the hidden hurt and unresolved issues beneath the surface of her everyday life. Removing the splinter is a metaphor for Susannah’s willingness to confront these difficulties directly instead of ignoring them. This act marks a significant moment of self-awareness and agency, as she takes control of a painful situation and begins to seek tangible solutions. It also parallels the larger theme of uncovering hidden truths about herself and the supernatural elements influencing her world.4. Analyze the significance of the “door” metaphor used in the chapter. How does it reflect Susannah’s experience and the story’s themes?
Answer:
The “door” metaphor illustrates the boundary between Susannah’s known reality and the mysterious, unsettling new world she is entering. On one side lies the familiar life where her sister, friend, and boyfriend have gone away, and on the other side is a confusing, altered reality where they have returned but things are inexplicably changed. This metaphor captures the theme of transition, uncertainty, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. It reflects Susannah’s disorientation and the feeling of stepping into the unknown, underscoring themes of loss, change, and the search for truth amidst inexplicable circumstances.5. Considering the supernatural elements and Susannah’s interactions with Bowie and Bogomil, how might Susannah’s story explore the theme of fear and control?
Answer:
Susannah’s encounters with supernatural beings like Bogomil and her connection to Bowie highlight the pervasive presence of fear and the struggle for control in her life. Bogomil’s menacing pursuit and the threat of violence create an atmosphere of danger that Susannah cannot easily escape, symbolizing forces beyond her control. Bowie’s knowledge and guidance offer a semblance of control or hope, but also underscore the reality that Susannah’s fate is intertwined with these uncontrollable supernatural forces. The chapter explores how fear can dominate an individual’s experience but also shows that confronting fears directly—such as removing the splinter or seeking answers—can be a form of reclaiming agency and control.
Quotes
1. “Why had she said those things to Laura? Poor old guitar, poor Laura who had to put up with the things that Susannah said and did.”
This opening reflection captures Susannah’s internal conflict and guilt, setting the emotional tone of the chapter. It introduces the strained relationship dynamics and Susannah’s self-questioning, which are central to the unfolding narrative.
2. “Oh, but you’re wrong about that. He’s as real as the devil and twice as bad-tempered. Do you have a temper, too?”
This line from Bowie challenges Susannah’s disbelief about Bogomil’s existence, highlighting a key supernatural element. It also touches on the theme of inner turmoil and the consequences of temper, which are important to understanding Susannah’s character and the threats she faces.
3. “Then she did as Bowie had suggested and pulled it out.”
This moment of physically removing the splinter symbolizes a turning point—both literal and metaphorical—for Susannah. It represents taking action to address pain and problems rather than avoiding them, marking a shift in her approach to her struggles.
4. “It was like going through a door. On one side of the door was the world you’d always lived in… On the other side of the door was where Susannah found herself now.”
This metaphor articulates Susannah’s experience of entering a new, altered reality where familiar relationships and truths have shifted. It encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of altered perceptions, loss, and the blurred line between reality and the supernatural.
5. “Some part of you remembered and so you broke it again,” Bowie said. “Here. Put it someplace safe.”
This insight from Bowie reveals the layered nature of Susannah’s actions and memory, suggesting subconscious motivations and the persistence of unresolved issues. It also introduces the symbolic importance of the splinter as a tangible link to Susannah’s inner conflict and the unfolding mystery.