The Pact
Chapter 2: THEN: Fall 1979
by Picoult, JodiThe chapter opens in fall 1979, introducing Melanie and her husband, Michael, as they settle into their new home in Bainbridge. Melanie receives a welcoming gift of banana bread from their neighbors, Gus and James, sparking curiosity about their identities. When Melanie calls to thank them, she assumes Gus is male, only to discover Gus is a pregnant woman with a vibrant personality. Their first encounter leaves Melanie stunned, as Gus bursts in like a “hurricane,” defying expectations and setting the tone for their unconventional friendship.
Melanie begins her new job as a librarian at the Bainbridge Public Library, initially unimpressed by the quiet, small-town atmosphere compared to her previous work in Boston. She longs for intellectual engagement, which she unexpectedly finds in Gus, an avid reader who devours classics and complex literature. Melanie is both amazed and intimidated by Gus’s effortless absorption of knowledge, though she later learns Gus is primarily searching for a name for her unborn child, softening Melanie’s initial awe.
The chapter contrasts Melanie’s reserved, bookish nature with Gus’s bold, spontaneous demeanor. Their interactions highlight Melanie’s discomfort with change and her struggle to adapt to small-town life, while Gus embodies a free-spirited approach that challenges Melanie’s preconceptions. The discovery that Gus is also pregnant creates a subtle bond between them, though Melanie remains guarded about her own pregnancy, reflecting her superstitious and private nature.
Through their evolving relationship, the chapter explores themes of identity, community, and the search for belonging. Melanie’s journey mirrors her professional role as a librarian—curating knowledge but hesitant to share her own story. Gus, meanwhile, represents the unexpected connections that can emerge in new environments. The chapter sets the stage for their friendship, hinting at deeper personal revelations and conflicts to come as both women navigate motherhood and their contrasting worldviews.
FAQs
1. How does Melanie initially react to the banana bread gift from her new neighbors, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Melanie hefts the banana bread uncertainly, unsure whether to eat it or throw it, demonstrating her cautious and somewhat skeptical nature. Her hesitation to eat (due to morning sickness) and her careful reading of the card show her analytical, detail-oriented personality. When she discovers the gift is from “Gus and James,” she assumes they are a gay couple, revealing her tendency to make quick judgments based on limited information. Her eventual decision to call and thank them—despite her reservations—shows she tries to be polite and neighborly, even when uncomfortable.2. Analyze the significance of Melanie’s assumption that Gus Harte was male. How does this moment contribute to the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
Melanie’s mistaken assumption that “Gus” must be male highlights her preconceived notions about gender and societal norms, reflecting the era’s limited understanding of unconventional names. This moment underscores the theme of appearances versus reality, as Gus defies expectations by being a pregnant, energetic woman rather than the male neighbor Melanie imagined. It also introduces the idea of Melanie’s growth—her initial rigidity contrasts with Gus’s spontaneity, setting up their dynamic as foils. The scene subtly critiques stereotypes while emphasizing the surprises inherent in forming new relationships.3. Compare Melanie’s and Gus’s approaches to reading. What deeper differences in their personalities does this reveal?
Answer:
Melanie, a trained librarian, views reading as a structured pursuit of knowledge and order (e.g., her dismay at disorganized stacks). Gus, however, reads voraciously but with a personal goal—finding a baby name—rather than scholarly intent. Melanie’s awe at Gus’s speed (“sponging up knowledge”) masks her insecurity, as she values academic rigor, while Gus’s casual approach unnerves her. This contrast reveals Melanie’s need for control versus Gus’s intuitive, goal-driven nature. Their exchange about “Le Morte d’Arthur” shows Melanie’s relief that Gus isn’t a true rival, hinting at her underlying vulnerability.4. How does the description of the Bainbridge Public Library reflect Melanie’s professional ideals and personal disappointments?
Answer:
The library’s “lovely” but neglected state (cracked spines, crammed stacks) mirrors Melanie’s idealistic vision of librarianship as a sacred duty to organize and share knowledge. Her disappointment in its underuse (“only the mailman” visits) contrasts with her Boston career, where she engaged with scholars. The focus on “toddler story hour” and free coffee emphasizes the town’s practical, mundane priorities, which clash with Melanie’s intellectual aspirations. This setting underscores her isolation and longing for meaningful work, making Gus’s appearances as a “true reader” a rare bright spot.5. What symbolic role does Gus Harte play in Melanie’s life, based on their first interactions?
Answer:
Gus symbolizes disruption and unexpected connection. Her “hurricane” entrance—pregnant, energetic, and bursting into Melanie’s orderly world—challenges Melanie’s reserved nature. Gus’s humor (laughing at the name mix-up) and initiative (offering help unasked) contrast with Melanie’s formality. Yet Gus also becomes Melanie’s first genuine link to Bainbridge, bonding over pregnancy and books. Her presence forces Melanie to confront her judgments (about the town, gender, and intellectualism) while offering companionship. Gus represents the chaotic, vital forces that might draw Melanie out of her shell.
Quotes
1. “From the way Melanie hefted the small brick of banana bread in the palm of her hand, her husband was not sure if she was planning to eat it or to throw it.”
This opening line vividly captures Melanie’s internal tension and uncertainty about her new life in Bainbridge, setting the tone for her discomfort with change and the challenges of adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings.
2. “Librarians, to Melanie, were somewhat on a par with God—who else could be bothered with, and better yet, know the answers to so many different types of questions? Knowledge was power, but a good librarian did not hoard the gift. She taught others how to find, where to look, how to see.”
This passage reveals Melanie’s deep reverence for her profession and her philosophy of librarianship as a sacred calling to empower others through knowledge—a sharp contrast to the quiet reality of her new small-town library.
3. “She longed for a reader, a true reader, like she was. And she found it in the unlikely form of Gus Harte.”
This moment marks a turning point in Melanie’s experience of Bainbridge, showing how her intellectual connection with Gus begins to bridge the gap between her professional ideals and her disappointing new reality.
4. “Gus Harte read Dostoevsky, and Kundera, and Pope. She read George Eliot and Thackeray and histories of the world. Sometimes all in a matter of days. It amazed Melanie. And it terrified her.”
This quote highlights the complex dynamic between Melanie and Gus, where intellectual admiration mixes with professional insecurity, foreshadowing their evolving relationship.
5. “Melanie, who had been too bookish in junior high school to have much of a social life, suddenly…”
This truncated thought (though incomplete) suggests Melanie’s social awkwardness and hints at how her relationship with Gus might help her overcome her isolation, making it a significant character insight.