The Giver of Stars
Chapter 22: Twenty-two
by Moyes, JojoThe chapter opens with a grim depiction of Kentucky’s jailhouses, described as unsanitary and overcrowded institutions. Despite these harsh conditions, Margery and her newborn daughter, Virginia, receive special treatment due to the deputy’s leniency and the community’s support. Virginia thrives in the cell, cared for by Margery, who has embraced motherhood with unexpected ease. The baby’s presence seems to uplift Margery, alleviating her depression and giving her a renewed sense of purpose. Visitors, including fellow librarians, bring supplies and comfort, transforming the cell into a more bearable environment for the mother and child.
Mrs. Brady, a formidable figure, visits Margery with an out-of-town doctor to ensure their well-being. She asserts her authority over the deputy, ensuring Margery and Virginia receive proper medical attention. The doctor confirms both are healthy, though the jail’s conditions remain far from ideal. Mrs. Brady’s no-nonsense attitude extends to chastising other inmates for complaining about the baby, highlighting her protective stance. Her involvement marks a turning point, as she later takes charge of the library’s operations, relieving Alice of some responsibilities and bringing order to the institution.
Alice, exhausted from juggling multiple responsibilities, welcomes Mrs. Brady’s takeover of the library. The arrangement allows Alice to focus on her visits to Margery and her impending departure from Kentucky, a decision she keeps private. Meanwhile, Sven resigns from his job at Hoffman’s to be closer to Margery, despite facing hostility from Van Cleve. His departure sparks tension, but his devotion to Margery remains unwavering. Alice, now more self-reliant, finds solace in the quiet routines of her daily life, embracing the solitude of Margery’s cabin and the natural beauty surrounding her.
As summer progresses, Alice navigates her emotions and the looming challenges ahead. Sven’s resignation and Van Cleve’s bitterness add to the town’s tensions, while Alice prepares for her eventual departure. Her daily rituals—baking cornbread for Margery, tending to the animals, and immersing herself in books—provide a sense of stability. The chapter closes with Alice finding peace in the simplicity of her routine, even as the future remains uncertain. The narrative underscores themes of resilience, community, and the transformative power of love and responsibility.
FAQs
1. How does the chapter depict the conditions of the Kentucky jailhouse, and what factors influenced these conditions?
Answer:
The chapter describes the jailhouse as a filthy institution plagued by bedbugs, roaches, lice, and a persistent odor of disinfectant mixed with filth. These conditions were typical of early 20th-century American jails, which operated inconsistently depending on local enforcement. In Baileyville, the deputy’s leniency—particularly his fondness for baked goods—allowed Margery and Virginia to receive visitors and basic comforts like clean bedding. The narrative highlights the ad-hoc nature of jail management, where the sheriff’s or deputy’s personal inclinations could significantly impact living conditions for inmates.2. How does Margery’s character transform after giving birth to Virginia, and what does this reveal about her resilience?
Answer:
Margery undergoes a profound transformation, shifting from a depressed, withdrawn state to a nurturing and attentive mother. Her focus on Virginia softens her demeanor, and she exhibits instinctive maternal behaviors, such as keeping constant physical contact with the baby. This change suggests that motherhood provides Margery with a purpose that helps her cope with her incarceration and personal losses. Her resilience is evident in her improved appetite, frequent smiles, and active movements—contrasting sharply with her previous lethargy. The chapter underscores how human connections, even in dire circumstances, can foster emotional strength.3. What role does Mrs. Brady play in the chapter, and how does she challenge authority figures like Deputy Dulles?
Answer:
Mrs. Brady emerges as a formidable advocate for Margery and Virginia, leveraging her social standing to demand better treatment. She arranges a doctor’s visit without prior approval, intimidating Deputy Dulles with threats of involving higher authorities like the sheriff and governor. Her no-nonsense attitude extends to chastising male inmates for complaining about the baby’s diapers. Later, she takes over the library’s management, restoring order with her meticulous attention to ledgers and overdue books. Her actions illustrate how determined individuals can disrupt unjust systems through assertiveness and institutional knowledge.4. How does Alice’s perspective on her responsibilities and future evolve in this chapter?
Answer:
Alice experiences both relief and resignation. She welcomes Mrs. Brady’s takeover of the library, acknowledging her own exhaustion from juggling visits to Margery, household chores, and library duties. Privately, she accepts her impending departure from Kentucky, though she keeps this to herself to avoid burdening others. Her daily routines—baking cornbread for the jail, tending to animals—reflect a quiet resilience, but her avoidance of “future discomforts” suggests unresolved anxiety. The chapter portrays her as caught between duty and self-preservation, hinting at deeper emotional conflicts.5. Analyze the significance of Sven’s resignation from his job and his relationship with Margery in the context of the community’s prejudices.
Answer:
Sven’s resignation underscores his loyalty to Margery, as he prioritizes visiting her over work—a decision that earns respect from his colleagues but enrages Van Cleve, who labels him a “traitor” without evidence. The community’s biases are laid bare: Van Cleve’s vitriol reflects deep-seated hostility toward Sven’s relationship with Margery, while Sven’s refusal to live in her cabin (to protect Alice’s reputation) highlights the oppressive social norms governing gender and propriety. The tension between personal integrity and societal judgment illustrates the sacrifices demanded by love and solidarity in a prejudiced environment.
Quotes
1. “The jailhouses of Kentucky, like those across much of America, were run on an ad-hoc basis and their rules, and laxity, varied considerably depending on the rigidity of the sheriff, and in the case of Baileyville, his deputy’s fondness for baked goods.”
This quote highlights the arbitrary and informal nature of the justice system in early 20th-century America, using the specific example of Baileyville to show how personal whims could influence institutional conditions. It sets the stage for understanding Margery and Virginia’s jail experience.
2. “Margery, meanwhile, was a woman transformed, her face softened, her whole focus on the tiny child, carrying her around as easily as if she had done it for years. Despite her previous reservations, she seemed to take to motherhood instinctively.”
This passage shows Margery’s profound personal transformation through motherhood, contrasting with her earlier character. The quote is significant as it demonstrates how the baby becomes Margery’s anchor in difficult circumstances.
3. “Mrs. Brady had cut him down with a look that could have frozen hot soup and announced imperiously that should she be impeded in any way while tending a nursing mother Sheriff Archer would be the first to hear about it, and Governor Hatch the second.”
This quote vividly captures Mrs. Brady’s formidable character and social standing, showing how she uses her influence to ensure proper care for Margery and the baby. It illustrates the power dynamics at play in the small community.
4. “Alice, while a little taken aback, was not inconvenienced at all. She had been running on empty these last weeks, trying to visit Margery every day, keep the cabin in good order, and run the library, all while dealing with her own complex and overwhelming feelings.”
This quote reveals Alice’s emotional and physical exhaustion, showing the cumulative toll of her responsibilities. It provides insight into her mental state as she prepares for an unspoken future departure.
5. “Around her the early-morning mountain rang with birdsong, the leaves of the trees glowing orange, then blue, then emerald green, the long grass mottled with lilies and sage grass, and as the screen door closed, huge wild turkeys rose up in an ungainly flap, or small deer skittered back into the woods, as if it were she who was the intruder.”
This beautifully descriptive passage contrasts the natural beauty of the surroundings with Alice’s sense of displacement. It captures both the peace and alienation she feels in her temporary home.