Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of The Wedding People
    FictionLiterary Fiction

    The Wedding People

    by Espach, Alison
    The Wedding People by Alison Espach follows Phoebe Stone, a woman grappling with personal crises who arrives at a luxurious Rhode Island inn intending to end her life. Mistaken for a wedding guest, Phoebe becomes unexpectedly involved in the wedding festivities, forming a pivotal bond with the bride. The novel explores themes of love, grief, self-discovery, and the unpredictable paths to new beginnings.
    PreviousNext
    The Wedding People

    Chapter 23

    by Espach, Alison

    Chap­ter 23 opens with a sub­dued atmos­phere at the Corn­wall hotel fol­low­ing the abrupt can­cel­la­tion of a wed­ding. The usu­al cel­e­bra­to­ry mood has van­ished, replaced by an awk­ward silence and a sense of dis­com­fort among the guests and staff alike. Pauline, the hotel employ­ee, reflects this shift with a more solemn demeanor as she han­dles inquiries and logis­ti­cal issues, such as the non-refund of spa fees and the reopen­ing of ameni­ties. Mean­while, Phoebe observes her friends Nat and Suz qui­et­ly pro­cess­ing the news, reveal­ing their insights into the bride’s true feel­ings and their own reflec­tions on love and mar­riage.

    As the chap­ter pro­gress­es, Phoebe wres­tles with her desire to remain at the hotel despite the chang­ing cir­cum­stances. She requests an exten­sion of her stay but is denied due to anoth­er wed­ding book­ing, which leaves her feel­ing unset­tled and reluc­tant to leave the place that has become a tem­po­rary refuge. This moment high­lights Phoebe’s inter­nal con­flict and her yearn­ing for sta­bil­i­ty amid the chaos. The nar­ra­tive shifts to a qui­eter, intro­spec­tive scene where Phoebe con­tem­plates the absence of Gary, a sig­nif­i­cant fig­ure whose where­abouts are unknown, deep­en­ing her sense of uncer­tain­ty and emo­tion­al iso­la­tion.

    The sto­ry then moves to a more inti­mate set­ting where Phoebe inter­acts with oth­er char­ac­ters, such as Mar­la and Oliv­er, shar­ing light moments that con­trast with the ear­li­er ten­sion. These inter­ac­tions pro­vide a brief respite and reveal Phoebe’s attempts to con­nect and find nor­mal­cy. How­ev­er, back in her room, Phoebe faces the real­i­ty of impend­ing depar­ture and the emo­tion­al weight of leav­ing a place she has grown to love. This reflec­tion is inter­twined with her aca­d­e­m­ic inter­ests, as she revis­its her wed­ding speech and the lit­er­ary analy­sis of Vic­to­ri­an mar­riage plots, draw­ing par­al­lels between fic­tion and her own expe­ri­ences.

    The chap­ter con­cludes on a note of ten­ta­tive hope and unre­solved feel­ings. Phoebe receives a job offer that excites her but hes­i­tates to share the news, under­scor­ing her com­plex emo­tion­al state. She immers­es her­self in the sto­ry of Jane Eyre, focus­ing on the fore­shad­ow­ing of a failed wed­ding, mir­ror­ing her own sit­u­a­tion and the themes of love, expec­ta­tion, and entrap­ment. This lit­er­ary engage­ment serves both as an intel­lec­tu­al pur­suit and a cop­ing mech­a­nism, leav­ing the read­er with a nuanced por­tray­al of Phoebe’s inner life as she nav­i­gates uncer­tain­ty and change.

    Down­load PDF Sum­ma­ry

    FAQs

    • 1. How does the atmosphere at the Cornwall hotel change after the wedding is called off, and what does this reveal about the characters’ emotional states?

      Answer:
      After the wedding is called off, the Cornwall hotel’s atmosphere becomes noticeably subdued and quiet, contrasting sharply with the earlier celebratory mood. Pauline, who manages the hotel, speaks in a solemn tone, indicating a shared sense of disappointment or awkwardness. Guests like Nat and Suz whisper about the wedding’s failure, expressing disbelief and insight into the bride’s true feelings. Phoebe senses this shift deeply, feeling the quiet as almost rude given the canceled celebration. This change highlights the characters’ emotional turmoil—disappointment, confusion, and a sense of loss—while also revealing their reflective states as they process what the failed wedding means for themselves and others.

      2. What significance does Phoebe’s interaction with Pauline about extending her stay have in the context of the chapter?

      Answer:
      Phoebe’s request to stay an additional night, and Pauline’s firm refusal due to a new wedding booking, symbolizes Phoebe’s struggle to let go of the transformative experience she had at the Cornwall. Pauline’s decisive “We’re all booked” serves as a boundary, signaling that Phoebe’s time in this liminal, emotionally charged space is ending. This interaction underscores Phoebe’s reluctance to face the outside world and move forward, reflecting her desire to hold onto the comfort and meaning she found at the hotel. Pauline’s changed appearance and demeanor also mirror the broader transformations occurring, emphasizing the theme of change and closure.

      3. How does Phoebe’s reflection on Jane Eyre’s failed wedding contribute to her understanding of her own situation?

      Answer:
      Phoebe’s analysis of Jane Eyre’s failed wedding, focusing on why Brontë dedicates more narrative detail to the failed ceremony than the successful one, parallels Phoebe’s own experience with disrupted expectations and complicated relationships. By identifying foreshadowing and moments when an engagement becomes a trap, Phoebe is intellectually processing themes of love, freedom, and constraint—concepts relevant to her personal journey. This reflection helps her frame her feelings of uncertainty and transition in a literary context, offering her a way to make sense of emotional upheaval and the ambiguity of relationships, such as her unresolved feelings about Gary.

      4. In what ways do the secondary characters’ conversations (e.g., Nat and Suz, Marla and Oliver) deepen the themes explored in the chapter?

      Answer:
      The side conversations among secondary characters enrich the chapter’s exploration of themes like love, disappointment, and personal growth. Nat and Suz’s discussion about the wedding reveals their insights into Lila’s true feelings and their own nostalgia for past weddings, contrasting with Phoebe’s reluctance to leave. Marla and Oliver’s lighthearted exchange about teaching Greek mythology introduces a moment of levity and suggests ongoing life beyond the immediate emotional tension. These interactions underscore the diversity of responses to change and loss, reinforcing themes of connection, reflection, and the search for meaning amid uncertainty.

      5. How does the chapter use symbolism (e.g., the white ribbon flying off the cliff) to convey Phoebe’s internal state?

      Answer:
      The white ribbon flying off the cliff symbolizes the loss of innocence, hope, or a cherished ideal, mirroring Phoebe’s feelings of disorientation and melancholy. As the ribbon drifts into the darkness and sinks to the murky bottom, Phoebe imagines herself going with it, indicating a moment of emotional surrender or despair. However, her decision to get up and knock on Gary’s door afterward signifies resilience and a desire to reengage with the world despite uncertainty. This symbolism effectively communicates Phoebe’s complex internal state—caught between letting go and holding on, between despair and hope.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The whole mood of the Cornwall is different without the bride and groom. It’s too quiet, and it feels rude to still be enjoying the spa water now that the wedding has been called off.”

      This quote sets the chapter’s somber tone, highlighting how the cancellation of the wedding changes the atmosphere both physically and emotionally. It introduces the theme of disrupted expectations and the uneasy aftermath of a broken event.

      2. “I truly can’t believe it,” Suz says. “And yet, I’m not surprised at all.” … “I knew Lila wasn’t in love with him,” Nat says. “I just knew it.” … “But I knew something wasn’t right when we were with the Sex Woman.””

      This exchange reveals the characters’ intuitive understanding of the wedding’s failure, emphasizing underlying tensions and unspoken doubts. It reflects on the theme of perception versus reality in relationships and social facades.

      3. “Phoebe feels stunned by the way Pauline said ‘We’re all booked’ with such a decisive tone, it left no room for debate. Pauline, too, has transformed this week—she wears a loose gauzy dress, with wavy beach hair cascading over her shoulders.”

      This passage captures a moment of finality and change, both external and internal. Pauline’s transformation and firm response symbolize the shifting dynamics and the impossibility of reversing the consequences, marking a turning point for Phoebe.

      4. “The idea is always lurking behind every object, every moment. She imagines the ribbon sinking, and for a moment, she feels herself go with it to the murky bottom.”

      Here, the narrative delves into Phoebe’s introspective state, using metaphor to express her feelings of loss and hopelessness. It represents the chapter’s exploration of emotional depth and the weight of disappointment.

      5. “As a speech, it’s terrible. But as literary analysis of the curious absence of weddings in Victorian marriage plots, it’s not bad. … Why spend more time writing the failed wedding than the successful one?”

      This reflection encapsulates a key intellectual insight of the chapter, linking Phoebe’s personal experience with broader literary themes. It highlights the significance of failure and disruption over conventional success, emphasizing the complexity of social rituals like weddings.

    Quotes

    1. “The whole mood of the Cornwall is different without the bride and groom. It’s too quiet, and it feels rude to still be enjoying the spa water now that the wedding has been called off.”

    This quote sets the chapter’s somber tone, highlighting how the cancellation of the wedding changes the atmosphere both physically and emotionally. It introduces the theme of disrupted expectations and the uneasy aftermath of a broken event.

    2. “I truly can’t believe it,” Suz says. “And yet, I’m not surprised at all.” … “I knew Lila wasn’t in love with him,” Nat says. “I just knew it.” … “But I knew something wasn’t right when we were with the Sex Woman.””

    This exchange reveals the characters’ intuitive understanding of the wedding’s failure, emphasizing underlying tensions and unspoken doubts. It reflects on the theme of perception versus reality in relationships and social facades.

    3. “Phoebe feels stunned by the way Pauline said ‘We’re all booked’ with such a decisive tone, it left no room for debate. Pauline, too, has transformed this week—she wears a loose gauzy dress, with wavy beach hair cascading over her shoulders.”

    This passage captures a moment of finality and change, both external and internal. Pauline’s transformation and firm response symbolize the shifting dynamics and the impossibility of reversing the consequences, marking a turning point for Phoebe.

    4. “The idea is always lurking behind every object, every moment. She imagines the ribbon sinking, and for a moment, she feels herself go with it to the murky bottom.”

    Here, the narrative delves into Phoebe’s introspective state, using metaphor to express her feelings of loss and hopelessness. It represents the chapter’s exploration of emotional depth and the weight of disappointment.

    5. “As a speech, it’s terrible. But as literary analysis of the curious absence of weddings in Victorian marriage plots, it’s not bad. … Why spend more time writing the failed wedding than the successful one?”

    This reflection encapsulates a key intellectual insight of the chapter, linking Phoebe’s personal experience with broader literary themes. It highlights the significance of failure and disruption over conventional success, emphasizing the complexity of social rituals like weddings.

    FAQs

    1. How does the atmosphere at the Cornwall hotel change after the wedding is called off, and what does this reveal about the characters’ emotional states?

    Answer:
    After the wedding is called off, the Cornwall hotel’s atmosphere becomes noticeably subdued and quiet, contrasting sharply with the earlier celebratory mood. Pauline, who manages the hotel, speaks in a solemn tone, indicating a shared sense of disappointment or awkwardness. Guests like Nat and Suz whisper about the wedding’s failure, expressing disbelief and insight into the bride’s true feelings. Phoebe senses this shift deeply, feeling the quiet as almost rude given the canceled celebration. This change highlights the characters’ emotional turmoil—disappointment, confusion, and a sense of loss—while also revealing their reflective states as they process what the failed wedding means for themselves and others.

    2. What significance does Phoebe’s interaction with Pauline about extending her stay have in the context of the chapter?

    Answer:
    Phoebe’s request to stay an additional night, and Pauline’s firm refusal due to a new wedding booking, symbolizes Phoebe’s struggle to let go of the transformative experience she had at the Cornwall. Pauline’s decisive “We’re all booked” serves as a boundary, signaling that Phoebe’s time in this liminal, emotionally charged space is ending. This interaction underscores Phoebe’s reluctance to face the outside world and move forward, reflecting her desire to hold onto the comfort and meaning she found at the hotel. Pauline’s changed appearance and demeanor also mirror the broader transformations occurring, emphasizing the theme of change and closure.

    3. How does Phoebe’s reflection on Jane Eyre’s failed wedding contribute to her understanding of her own situation?

    Answer:
    Phoebe’s analysis of Jane Eyre’s failed wedding, focusing on why Brontë dedicates more narrative detail to the failed ceremony than the successful one, parallels Phoebe’s own experience with disrupted expectations and complicated relationships. By identifying foreshadowing and moments when an engagement becomes a trap, Phoebe is intellectually processing themes of love, freedom, and constraint—concepts relevant to her personal journey. This reflection helps her frame her feelings of uncertainty and transition in a literary context, offering her a way to make sense of emotional upheaval and the ambiguity of relationships, such as her unresolved feelings about Gary.

    4. In what ways do the secondary characters’ conversations (e.g., Nat and Suz, Marla and Oliver) deepen the themes explored in the chapter?

    Answer:
    The side conversations among secondary characters enrich the chapter’s exploration of themes like love, disappointment, and personal growth. Nat and Suz’s discussion about the wedding reveals their insights into Lila’s true feelings and their own nostalgia for past weddings, contrasting with Phoebe’s reluctance to leave. Marla and Oliver’s lighthearted exchange about teaching Greek mythology introduces a moment of levity and suggests ongoing life beyond the immediate emotional tension. These interactions underscore the diversity of responses to change and loss, reinforcing themes of connection, reflection, and the search for meaning amid uncertainty.

    5. How does the chapter use symbolism (e.g., the white ribbon flying off the cliff) to convey Phoebe’s internal state?

    Answer:
    The white ribbon flying off the cliff symbolizes the loss of innocence, hope, or a cherished ideal, mirroring Phoebe’s feelings of disorientation and melancholy. As the ribbon drifts into the darkness and sinks to the murky bottom, Phoebe imagines herself going with it, indicating a moment of emotional surrender or despair. However, her decision to get up and knock on Gary’s door afterward signifies resilience and a desire to reengage with the world despite uncertainty. This symbolism effectively communicates Phoebe’s complex internal state—caught between letting go and holding on, between despair and hope.

    Note