The Giver of Stars
Chapter 10: Ten
by Moyes, JojoThe chapter opens with a historical account of a violent feud in Kentucky, sparked by the murder of Linvin Higgins and resulting in over 150 deaths. This sets a backdrop of tension and conflict, contrasting with the intimate domestic scene that follows. Margery and Sven share a tender morning moment, savoring warmth under blankets despite the harsh winter outside. Their playful banter and affection highlight their deep connection, though Margery’s independence is subtly underscored by her refusal to conform to traditional roles, such as making coffee or marrying Sven.
Margery and Sven’s relationship is explored further through a conversation about marriage. Sven questions the difference between their current life together and a formalized union, but Margery firmly defends her need for personal freedom. She explains that her love for him is rooted in choice, not obligation, and that being answerable to no one is central to her identity. Sven admits his fear of losing her, revealing his vulnerability, but Margery reassures him of her unwavering commitment, emphasizing that her presence is deliberate and lasting.
The narrative shifts to the library, where the women prepare for Christmas, exchanging small gifts and reflecting on their community. Alice’s dedication to the library is noted, though her subdued demeanor hints at underlying unhappiness. Sophia and Izzy observe her with concern, speculating about her troubled home life. Alice’s transformation—from a seemingly privileged woman to a hardened, diligent worker—suggests hidden struggles, possibly tied to her marriage to Bennett Van Cleve, who is no longer viewed as the “greatest catch.”
The chapter weaves together themes of love, independence, and resilience. Margery and Sven’s relationship exemplifies a modern partnership built on mutual respect and freedom, while Alice’s story contrasts sharply, revealing the constraints of traditional roles. The historical feud and the library’s communal warmth serve as metaphors for the broader tensions between conflict and connection, individuality and community, that define the characters’ lives.
FAQs
1. What historical event is referenced at the beginning of the chapter, and how might it thematically connect to Margery and Sven’s story?
Answer:
The chapter opens with a reference to the infamous Kentucky mountain feud triggered by the killing of Linvin Higgins, which resulted in over 150 deaths. This historical context thematically parallels the tensions in Margery’s life—particularly her conflict with the Van Cleve family over mining rights and personal autonomy. Just as the feud represents entrenched conflicts and resistance to outside interference, Margery’s struggle against Van Cleve’s control (evidenced by her being barred from the mine) reflects a modern-day battle for independence and justice in a patriarchal society. The violent history underscores the high stakes of standing against powerful local interests.2. How does the author use domestic scenes between Margery and Sven to contrast with broader societal conflicts?
Answer:
The intimate moments—such as their shared warmth in bed, playful banter about coffee, and Sven’s affectionate knowledge of Margery’s habits—highlight a private world of mutual respect and equality. This contrasts sharply with external societal conflicts, like Van Cleve’s attempts to control Margery (e.g., banning her from the mine). Their relationship, built on freedom and choice (“I love you as a free woman”), becomes a microcosm of the autonomy Margery fights for publicly. The domestic harmony underscores what’s at stake in her broader struggles: the right to define her life without coercion.3. Analyze Margery’s refusal to marry Sven. What does it reveal about her character and the novel’s themes?
Answer:
Margery’s rejection of marriage stems from her fierce commitment to personal freedom. She explains that being unmarried allows her to feel “answerable to nobody,” emphasizing autonomy over tradition. This choice reflects the novel’s themes of female independence and resistance to patriarchal norms. Her assertion that love is “greater” when chosen freely, not bound by legal or social contracts, challenges conventional romantic ideals. Sven’s fear that she might “tell him to go” further underscores the tension between security and liberty, illustrating Margery’s prioritization of self-determination even in love.4. What does Alice’s transformation reveal about the impact of the library on the women’s lives?
Answer:
Alice’s dedication to the library—arriving first, leaving last, and enduring harsh conditions—shows how the work has given her purpose and resilience. Her physical transformation (“wiry muscles,” “weathered skin”) mirrors her emotional hardening; her smiles are rare and forced, hinting at unresolved pain at home. The library becomes both an escape and a source of empowerment, contrasting with her troubled domestic life. Sophia’s observation that “something ain’t right in that house” suggests the library’s role as a sanctuary, offering women like Alice a space to reclaim agency amid personal struggles.5. How does the chapter use humor (e.g., Bluey the dog) to balance heavier themes?
Answer:
The chaotic interruption of Bluey—jumping on the bed and licking Margery and Sven—lightens the mood amid discussions of mining conflicts and marital tension. The dog’s antics (“Down, Blue!”) inject warmth and spontaneity, humanizing the characters and grounding their relationship in everyday joy. This humor contrasts with Van Cleve’s vindictiveness and Alice’s sadness, offering respite while reinforcing the couple’s bond. Sven’s playful remark (“You saving me from myself, Bluey boy?”) also softens his vulnerability about Margery’s independence, showing how love persists even amid deeper conflicts.
Quotes
1. “I love you, Sven, but I love you as a free woman. You don’t think knowing that I’m here purely because I want to be—not because some ring says I have to be—is a greater kind of love?”
This quote captures Margery’s fierce independence and her philosophy on relationships. It represents a key thematic conflict in the chapter—the tension between traditional marriage and personal freedom—as she explains to Sven why she resists formalizing their union.
2. “I will never, ever tell you to go. There is no chance of that happening, Mr. Gustavsson. I will be with you, day and night, for as long as you can stand me. And you know I never say anything I don’t mean.”
This emotional declaration follows Sven’s vulnerability about his fears of abandonment. It shows the deep commitment underlying Margery’s independent stance, revealing that her resistance to marriage isn’t about lack of love but about preserving her autonomy.
3. “That girl is the saddest thing I ever saw. Something ain’t right in that house.”
Sophia’s observation about Alice provides crucial insight into a secondary character’s emotional state. This quote hints at domestic troubles brewing beneath the surface of Alice’s efficient library work, setting up potential future conflicts in the narrative.
4. “This feud lasted several years and was responsible for the death of more than 150 men.”
The opening historical anecdote about the Kentucky mountain feud establishes the violent cultural backdrop against which the characters’ stories unfold. This quote is significant as it frames the entire chapter with the theme of enduring conflicts—both historical and personal.