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    Literary FictionWomen's Fiction

    Wait

    by Burnham, Gabriella
    “Wait” by Gabriella Burnham is a coming-of-age novel set on Nantucket Island, focusing on two Brazilian American sisters, Elise and Sophie. After their undocumented mother is deported, the sisters navigate complex family dynamics, identity, and self-sufficiency amidst socioeconomic challenges. The narrative explores themes of immigration, belonging, and resilience in a nuanced portrayal of contemporary American life.
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    Wait

    Part II: The Guest Chapter 3

    by Burnham, Gabriella

    In this chap­ter, Elise observes Helen and Hol­ly from the guest house, not­ing their tense and delib­er­ate inter­ac­tions in the dri­ve­way. Helen appears stern and pre­oc­cu­pied, while Hol­ly responds with casu­al ges­tures and a laid-back demeanor. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals a delay or post­pone­ment until Mon­day, sug­gest­ing unre­solved mat­ters that require patience. Mean­while, She­ba arrives, tired and dis­ori­ent­ed, and quick­ly assess­es the atmos­phere, warn­ing Elise that their moth­ers are over­whelmed and not inter­est­ed in social­iz­ing. This sets a tone of under­ly­ing famil­ial ten­sion and the com­pli­ca­tions of return­ing from vaca­tion to unex­pect­ed respon­si­bil­i­ties.

    As She­ba set­tles into the guest house, she and Elise engage in a can­did exchange about recent events. She­ba shares her abrupt and unwel­come return from Europe due to her grand­fa­ther’s death, which has trig­gered pres­sure to join an exclu­sive yacht club. This oblig­a­tion dis­rupts her per­son­al plans and social life, high­light­ing the bur­dens of fam­i­ly expec­ta­tions and lega­cy. Elise empathizes with Sheba’s frus­tra­tion, rec­og­niz­ing the clash between indi­vid­ual desires and inher­it­ed duties. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals Sheba’s defi­ant yet resigned atti­tude toward these imposed tra­di­tions.

    The chap­ter also delves into Sheba’s char­ac­ter­is­tic way of cop­ing by over­shar­ing per­son­al and often shock­ing anec­dotes. She recounts a brief, bizarre roman­tic encounter with a pho­tog­ra­ph­er, using humor to deflect from the dis­ap­point­ment of her inter­rupt­ed vaca­tion. This sto­ry­telling serves to under­score Sheba’s com­plex personality—outspoken, uncon­ven­tion­al, and guard­ed beneath her brava­do. Elise’s reac­tion to these sto­ries shows a mix­ture of amuse­ment and dis­com­fort, illus­trat­ing the evolv­ing dynam­ics of their friend­ship and Sheba’s influ­ence on Elise’s per­spec­tive.

    Over­all, the chap­ter jux­ta­pos­es moments of domes­tic obser­va­tion with inti­mate con­ver­sa­tions that reveal deep­er emo­tion­al cur­rents. It explores themes of fam­i­ly pres­sure, the clash between tra­di­tion and moder­ni­ty, and the ways indi­vid­u­als nav­i­gate social expec­ta­tions. Through the inter­ac­tions between Elise, She­ba, Helen, and Hol­ly, the nar­ra­tive con­veys a nuanced por­tray­al of rela­tion­ships strained by cir­cum­stance yet marked by sub­tle sup­port and under­stand­ing. The chapter’s tone bal­ances ten­sion with humor, pro­vid­ing insight into the char­ac­ters’ inner lives and the com­plex­i­ties of their con­nec­tions.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How do the interactions between Elise, Sheba, Helen, and Holly establish the social dynamics and tensions in this chapter?

      Answer:
      The interactions reveal complex social dynamics and underlying tensions among the characters. Elise observes Helen and Holly from a distance, indicating some separation or distance in relationships. Helen and Holly’s stern and intense conversation contrasts with Sheba’s casual, somewhat dismissive attitude toward the returning moms, whom she describes as “psychos” overwhelmed by post-vacation stress. Sheba’s reluctance to greet them and her blunt remarks about their state suggest strained or complicated family ties. Additionally, Sheba’s narrative about being forced into yacht club membership by her mothers highlights familial pressure and conflicting personal desires, emphasizing tension between individual freedom and social expectations.

      2. What role does Sheba’s story about her interrupted vacation and encounter at Chiltern Firehouse play in the chapter?

      Answer:
      Sheba’s story serves multiple purposes: it provides insight into her personality—bold, candid, and irreverent—and highlights themes of social obligation versus personal desire. Her account of meeting a “hot photographer” and the awkward yet humorous sexual encounter demonstrates her tendency to use humor and hyperbole to deflect from vulnerability. The forced return due to yacht club membership pressures illustrates the clash between her personal wishes and the expectations imposed by her family’s social status. This story deepens readers’ understanding of Sheba’s internal conflict and sets up potential future tensions related to societal roles and identity.

      3. How does the setting of the guest house and the main house contribute to the atmosphere and character interactions in this chapter?

      Answer:
      The physical separation between the guest house and the main house mirrors the emotional and social distance among characters. Elise is in the guest house, observing Helen and Holly outside the main house, which creates a sense of detachment and outsider perspective. The oak peninsula countertop and washed-velvet sofas symbolize a mix of comfort and formality, reflecting the characters’ attempts to balance casual intimacy with social expectations. The setting underscores themes of waiting, observation, and the tension between private and public personas, as characters navigate their relationships within these defined spaces.

      4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of social obligation versus personal autonomy?

      Answer:
      The chapter explores this theme primarily through Sheba’s narrative about her forced return to fulfill yacht club membership requirements. Despite her disinterest, she must comply due to her mothers’ insistence and the implications for her future descendants. This pressure represents the weight of social obligation rooted in family legacy and class expectations. Sheba’s candid and humorous recounting of her disrupted vacation and encounter with the photographer contrasts sharply with the rigid social rules she faces. The theme is further emphasized by the moms’ intense behavior and the characters’ varying responses to these expectations, highlighting the tension between individual desires and societal demands.

      5. How might Elise’s role as an observer in this chapter affect her understanding of the other characters and their relationships?

      Answer:
      Elise’s position as an observer—watching Helen and Holly from behind a screen door and reflecting on Sheba’s behavior—positions her as somewhat detached yet attentive to the nuances of others’ interactions. This vantage point allows her to notice unspoken tensions, social cues, and emotional undercurrents that might not be apparent in direct conversation. Her curiosity about the moms’ state, Sheba’s explanations, and the awkward social dynamics suggests she is piecing together complex relationships and social hierarchies. This observational role may lead Elise to a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and conflicts, influencing her own involvement in the unfolding story.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Yes. Fine, she says. You’ve known since yesterday, but if Monday is the best you can do, then what am I supposed to say, Cal? We’ll wait until Monday.”

      This quote captures a moment of reluctant acceptance and the theme of waiting that defines the chapter, setting the tone for the interpersonal dynamics and the pacing of events.

      2. “They’re truly psychos when they return from vacation. Emails, conference calls, hemorrhoids, etcetera.”

      Sheba’s candid remark humorously highlights the tension and emotional exhaustion that come with re-entering demanding social and professional obligations, reflecting a broader commentary on modern life’s pressures.

      3. “Because my grandfather died, I needed to go through the membership process this summer or else I would no longer be eligible to join the club… my moms went completely berserk about it and insisted we come back immediately.”

      This passage reveals the clash between personal desires and familial or societal expectations, illustrating Sheba’s conflict and the obligations imposed by legacy and tradition.

      4. “I chose you over Felix the Photographer.”

      A succinct, emotionally charged statement that underscores the importance of relationships and loyalty amid competing interests, marking a key moment in Sheba and Elise’s connection.

      5. “To break the awkwardness, I said, You and your penis are wearing matching scarves! Which I found hilarious and he only found somewhat amusing.”

      This vivid anecdote exemplifies Sheba’s way of disarming uncomfortable situations with humor and transparency, providing insight into her character’s coping mechanisms and social interactions.

    Quotes

    1. “Yes. Fine, she says. You’ve known since yesterday, but if Monday is the best you can do, then what am I supposed to say, Cal? We’ll wait until Monday.”

    This quote captures a moment of reluctant acceptance and the theme of waiting that defines the chapter, setting the tone for the interpersonal dynamics and the pacing of events.

    2. “They’re truly psychos when they return from vacation. Emails, conference calls, hemorrhoids, etcetera.”

    Sheba’s candid remark humorously highlights the tension and emotional exhaustion that come with re-entering demanding social and professional obligations, reflecting a broader commentary on modern life’s pressures.

    3. “Because my grandfather died, I needed to go through the membership process this summer or else I would no longer be eligible to join the club… my moms went completely berserk about it and insisted we come back immediately.”

    This passage reveals the clash between personal desires and familial or societal expectations, illustrating Sheba’s conflict and the obligations imposed by legacy and tradition.

    4. “I chose you over Felix the Photographer.”

    A succinct, emotionally charged statement that underscores the importance of relationships and loyalty amid competing interests, marking a key moment in Sheba and Elise’s connection.

    5. “To break the awkwardness, I said, You and your penis are wearing matching scarves! Which I found hilarious and he only found somewhat amusing.”

    This vivid anecdote exemplifies Sheba’s way of disarming uncomfortable situations with humor and transparency, providing insight into her character’s coping mechanisms and social interactions.

    FAQs

    1. How do the interactions between Elise, Sheba, Helen, and Holly establish the social dynamics and tensions in this chapter?

    Answer:
    The interactions reveal complex social dynamics and underlying tensions among the characters. Elise observes Helen and Holly from a distance, indicating some separation or distance in relationships. Helen and Holly’s stern and intense conversation contrasts with Sheba’s casual, somewhat dismissive attitude toward the returning moms, whom she describes as “psychos” overwhelmed by post-vacation stress. Sheba’s reluctance to greet them and her blunt remarks about their state suggest strained or complicated family ties. Additionally, Sheba’s narrative about being forced into yacht club membership by her mothers highlights familial pressure and conflicting personal desires, emphasizing tension between individual freedom and social expectations.

    2. What role does Sheba’s story about her interrupted vacation and encounter at Chiltern Firehouse play in the chapter?

    Answer:
    Sheba’s story serves multiple purposes: it provides insight into her personality—bold, candid, and irreverent—and highlights themes of social obligation versus personal desire. Her account of meeting a “hot photographer” and the awkward yet humorous sexual encounter demonstrates her tendency to use humor and hyperbole to deflect from vulnerability. The forced return due to yacht club membership pressures illustrates the clash between her personal wishes and the expectations imposed by her family’s social status. This story deepens readers’ understanding of Sheba’s internal conflict and sets up potential future tensions related to societal roles and identity.

    3. How does the setting of the guest house and the main house contribute to the atmosphere and character interactions in this chapter?

    Answer:
    The physical separation between the guest house and the main house mirrors the emotional and social distance among characters. Elise is in the guest house, observing Helen and Holly outside the main house, which creates a sense of detachment and outsider perspective. The oak peninsula countertop and washed-velvet sofas symbolize a mix of comfort and formality, reflecting the characters’ attempts to balance casual intimacy with social expectations. The setting underscores themes of waiting, observation, and the tension between private and public personas, as characters navigate their relationships within these defined spaces.

    4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of social obligation versus personal autonomy?

    Answer:
    The chapter explores this theme primarily through Sheba’s narrative about her forced return to fulfill yacht club membership requirements. Despite her disinterest, she must comply due to her mothers’ insistence and the implications for her future descendants. This pressure represents the weight of social obligation rooted in family legacy and class expectations. Sheba’s candid and humorous recounting of her disrupted vacation and encounter with the photographer contrasts sharply with the rigid social rules she faces. The theme is further emphasized by the moms’ intense behavior and the characters’ varying responses to these expectations, highlighting the tension between individual desires and societal demands.

    5. How might Elise’s role as an observer in this chapter affect her understanding of the other characters and their relationships?

    Answer:
    Elise’s position as an observer—watching Helen and Holly from behind a screen door and reflecting on Sheba’s behavior—positions her as somewhat detached yet attentive to the nuances of others’ interactions. This vantage point allows her to notice unspoken tensions, social cues, and emotional undercurrents that might not be apparent in direct conversation. Her curiosity about the moms’ state, Sheba’s explanations, and the awkward social dynamics suggests she is piecing together complex relationships and social hierarchies. This observational role may lead Elise to a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and conflicts, influencing her own involvement in the unfolding story.

    Note