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    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 III: The Main House Chapter 6

    by Burnham, Gabriella

    In this chap­ter, Elise vis­its a local farm mar­ket after a month-long absence from the gro­cery store, seek­ing a sim­ple con­nec­tion to nor­mal life amid her per­son­al strug­gles. The famil­iar sights and sounds evoke a sense of nos­tal­gia, yet she wan­ders the aisles aim­less­ly, try­ing to delay return­ing home and con­fronting unre­solved ten­sions with Sophie. Her dis­trac­tion is inter­rupt­ed when Mrs. Wag­n­er calls out to her, lead­ing to a del­i­cate and emo­tion­al exchange about Mrs. Wagner’s dog, Suzie, who has recent­ly been diag­nosed with can­cer. The encounter reveals lay­ers of shared grief and con­cern, set­ting a somber tone.

    Their con­ver­sa­tion shifts from the dog’s ill­ness to more per­son­al mat­ters, includ­ing Elise’s mother’s recent death and its after­math. Mrs. Wag­n­er express­es sym­pa­thy and reflects on the injus­tice of their sit­u­a­tion, hint­ing at broad­er soci­etal issues regard­ing immi­gra­tion and belong­ing. Elise responds with qui­et frus­tra­tion, under­scor­ing the painful real­i­ty of their loss and the chal­lenges they face. This dia­logue high­lights the com­plex emo­tions of mourn­ing and the strug­gle to find sup­port with­in their com­mu­ni­ty.

    A sig­nif­i­cant rev­e­la­tion emerges when Elise ques­tions how their land­lord learned of their mother’s absence, which led to them being evict­ed from the fam­i­ly home. Mrs. Wag­n­er explains the land­lord, Mark, is a long­time friend of her hus­band and has been check­ing in on the house from afar. This con­nec­tion intro­duces a nuanced dynam­ic, reveal­ing how per­son­al rela­tion­ships and deci­sions inter­sect with legal and social con­straints. Elise asserts her inde­pen­dence and matu­ri­ty, empha­siz­ing her right to make deci­sions about her liv­ing sit­u­a­tion despite the landlord’s author­i­ty.

    The chap­ter clos­es with a tense exchange about the dif­fi­cult choic­es Mrs. Wag­n­er faces regard­ing Suzie’s treat­ment, with Elise cri­tiquing the poten­tial emo­tion­al moti­va­tions behind pro­long­ing the dog’s suf­fer­ing. Mrs. Wag­n­er acknowl­edges the com­plex­i­ty of the sit­u­a­tion, offer­ing Elise and Sophie con­tin­ued sup­port despite recent con­flicts. This inter­ac­tion encap­su­lates the chapter’s themes of grief, respon­si­bil­i­ty, and the intri­cate bal­ance between com­pas­sion and prac­ti­cal­i­ty in dif­fi­cult times.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does Elise’s visit to the local farm market reflect her emotional state and her attempt to cope with recent events?

      Answer:
      Elise’s visit to the farm market symbolizes her attempt to reconnect with normalcy and find comfort in familiar surroundings after a period of absence. She purposely chooses a smaller, local market over a large supermarket, seeking the calmness of “island-grown corn” and homemade goods, indicating a desire for simplicity and grounding. However, her aimless wandering and efforts to “expand time” reveal an inner reluctance to face reality, especially the possibility of encountering Sophie after their argument. The contrast between her plan to enjoy small pleasures and her actual distracted behavior highlights her emotional turmoil and avoidance as she struggles to process her circumstances.

      2. What is the significance of Elise’s conversation with Mrs. Wagner about Suzie the dog, and how does it contribute to the chapter’s themes?

      Answer:
      The conversation about Suzie, Mrs. Wagner’s dog diagnosed with cancer, serves multiple thematic purposes. It introduces the theme of suffering and difficult decisions around care and compassion—Mrs. Wagner’s uncertainty about treatment mirrors broader uncertainties the characters face. Elise’s somewhat harsh critique of putting Suzie through chemotherapy reveals her skepticism about decisions driven more by emotional comfort than the subject’s well-being, paralleling tensions in human relationships and caregiving. This dialogue deepens the emotional texture of the chapter by exploring how people manage pain, loss, and responsibility, reinforcing themes of empathy, mortality, and the complexity of making “right” choices.

      3. Analyze the relationship dynamics between Elise, Mrs. Wagner, and the landlord Mark as revealed in their discussion. What does this reveal about community and privacy in the story?

      Answer:
      The dynamics between Elise, Mrs. Wagner, and Mark reveal a community intertwined with personal relationships but complicated by boundaries and privacy issues. Mrs. Wagner explains that Mark, the landlord and a longtime friend of her husband Tom, was informed about Elise’s mother’s absence through their conversations. This connection led to the eviction of Elise and Sophie, highlighting the blurred lines between friendship, property rights, and interference. Elise’s frustration and Mrs. Wagner’s defensive explanations expose tensions between trust, intrusion, and authority within the community. The situation underscores how personal relationships can complicate seemingly straightforward matters like housing, suggesting themes of surveillance, autonomy, and the challenges of maintaining privacy in tight-knit settings.

      4. How does Elise’s attitude towards Mrs. Wagner’s decisions and emotions reflect her own coping mechanisms and worldview?

      Answer:
      Elise’s attitude toward Mrs. Wagner is marked by a mix of sympathy and critical detachment. While she expresses condolences and listens, she also challenges Mrs. Wagner’s choices—such as the treatment for Suzie—and questions the rationale behind their eviction. Her sarcastic remark about “bad decisions” being called complicated reveals a cynical worldview shaped by recent hardships. Elise’s act of eating the chips mid-conversation and her feigned chuckle suggest a coping mechanism of emotional distancing and deflection. This attitude reflects her struggle to process grief and betrayal while maintaining control over her emotions, illustrating a complex blend of vulnerability, resilience, and skepticism in how she navigates relationships and adversity.

      5. Considering the chapter’s events and dialogue, what might the author be suggesting about the nature of community support and isolation?

      Answer:
      The chapter presents a nuanced view of community support and isolation. On one hand, Mrs. Wagner’s willingness to store Elise’s belongings and invite her over shows a form of support and connection. On the other hand, the landlord’s eviction decision, informed through community channels, creates a sense of exclusion and loss of agency for Elise and Sophie. The interactions reveal that community ties can both nurture and constrain individuals, depending on circumstances and power dynamics. The author suggests that while communities offer potential support, they also impose judgments and limits that can isolate those who are vulnerable. This duality highlights the complexity of human connections, where care and control coexist, impacting individuals’ experiences of belonging and alienation.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Elise is at the grocery store for the first time in over a month, just to remember what it’s like—the cold, still air and dewy bundles of lettuce, the towering rows of cereal boxes, the mechanical chirp from the checkout scanner.”

      This opening sets the scene for Elise’s emotional and psychological state, highlighting her attempt to reconnect with normalcy and the outside world after a period of isolation or turmoil. It captures the theme of seeking comfort in ordinary experiences amidst personal upheaval.

      2. “We found out yesterday she has cancer, she says and then covers her mouth. God, it feels too real when I say it out loud.”

      This quote poignantly conveys the impact of devastating news on Mrs. Wagner, illustrating how confronting harsh realities aloud can make them feel more immediate and overwhelming. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of vulnerability and grief.

      3. “Has our country forgotten what the Statue of Liberty says? Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses? She paid taxes, I’m assuming. She worked and contributed to society.”

      Here, Elise challenges the ideals versus the realities of immigration and societal acceptance, reflecting on her mother’s unjust treatment. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s critical engagement with themes of belonging, justice, and societal hypocrisy.

      4. “It’s funny how people make bad decisions very quickly and then call them complicated afterwards. She pauses, takes another bite of a chip. Like what you’re doing to your dog. An old dog like Suzie shouldn’t have to suffer through chemotherapy, but I’m guessing you’ll put her through it. Not because it’s right for the dog, but because it’s what will make you feel better.”

      This sharp observation by Elise highlights human tendencies to rationalize difficult decisions and the tension between self-interest and compassion. It serves as a turning point in the dialogue, revealing her skepticism and emotional complexity.

      5. “And you and Sophie are still welcome over whenever you want. OK? I’ll store your belongings for as long as you need.”

      Mrs. Wagner’s offer of support despite the difficulties between them reflects themes of community, forgiveness, and ongoing connection. It provides a moment of tentative reconciliation and hope near the chapter’s conclusion.

    Quotes

    1. “Elise is at the grocery store for the first time in over a month, just to remember what it’s like—the cold, still air and dewy bundles of lettuce, the towering rows of cereal boxes, the mechanical chirp from the checkout scanner.”

    This opening sets the scene for Elise’s emotional and psychological state, highlighting her attempt to reconnect with normalcy and the outside world after a period of isolation or turmoil. It captures the theme of seeking comfort in ordinary experiences amidst personal upheaval.

    2. “We found out yesterday she has cancer, she says and then covers her mouth. God, it feels too real when I say it out loud.”

    This quote poignantly conveys the impact of devastating news on Mrs. Wagner, illustrating how confronting harsh realities aloud can make them feel more immediate and overwhelming. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of vulnerability and grief.

    3. “Has our country forgotten what the Statue of Liberty says? Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses? She paid taxes, I’m assuming. She worked and contributed to society.”

    Here, Elise challenges the ideals versus the realities of immigration and societal acceptance, reflecting on her mother’s unjust treatment. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s critical engagement with themes of belonging, justice, and societal hypocrisy.

    4. “It’s funny how people make bad decisions very quickly and then call them complicated afterwards. She pauses, takes another bite of a chip. Like what you’re doing to your dog. An old dog like Suzie shouldn’t have to suffer through chemotherapy, but I’m guessing you’ll put her through it. Not because it’s right for the dog, but because it’s what will make you feel better.”

    This sharp observation by Elise highlights human tendencies to rationalize difficult decisions and the tension between self-interest and compassion. It serves as a turning point in the dialogue, revealing her skepticism and emotional complexity.

    5. “And you and Sophie are still welcome over whenever you want. OK? I’ll store your belongings for as long as you need.”

    Mrs. Wagner’s offer of support despite the difficulties between them reflects themes of community, forgiveness, and ongoing connection. It provides a moment of tentative reconciliation and hope near the chapter’s conclusion.

    FAQs

    1. How does Elise’s visit to the local farm market reflect her emotional state and her attempt to cope with recent events?

    Answer:
    Elise’s visit to the farm market symbolizes her attempt to reconnect with normalcy and find comfort in familiar surroundings after a period of absence. She purposely chooses a smaller, local market over a large supermarket, seeking the calmness of “island-grown corn” and homemade goods, indicating a desire for simplicity and grounding. However, her aimless wandering and efforts to “expand time” reveal an inner reluctance to face reality, especially the possibility of encountering Sophie after their argument. The contrast between her plan to enjoy small pleasures and her actual distracted behavior highlights her emotional turmoil and avoidance as she struggles to process her circumstances.

    2. What is the significance of Elise’s conversation with Mrs. Wagner about Suzie the dog, and how does it contribute to the chapter’s themes?

    Answer:
    The conversation about Suzie, Mrs. Wagner’s dog diagnosed with cancer, serves multiple thematic purposes. It introduces the theme of suffering and difficult decisions around care and compassion—Mrs. Wagner’s uncertainty about treatment mirrors broader uncertainties the characters face. Elise’s somewhat harsh critique of putting Suzie through chemotherapy reveals her skepticism about decisions driven more by emotional comfort than the subject’s well-being, paralleling tensions in human relationships and caregiving. This dialogue deepens the emotional texture of the chapter by exploring how people manage pain, loss, and responsibility, reinforcing themes of empathy, mortality, and the complexity of making “right” choices.

    3. Analyze the relationship dynamics between Elise, Mrs. Wagner, and the landlord Mark as revealed in their discussion. What does this reveal about community and privacy in the story?

    Answer:
    The dynamics between Elise, Mrs. Wagner, and Mark reveal a community intertwined with personal relationships but complicated by boundaries and privacy issues. Mrs. Wagner explains that Mark, the landlord and a longtime friend of her husband Tom, was informed about Elise’s mother’s absence through their conversations. This connection led to the eviction of Elise and Sophie, highlighting the blurred lines between friendship, property rights, and interference. Elise’s frustration and Mrs. Wagner’s defensive explanations expose tensions between trust, intrusion, and authority within the community. The situation underscores how personal relationships can complicate seemingly straightforward matters like housing, suggesting themes of surveillance, autonomy, and the challenges of maintaining privacy in tight-knit settings.

    4. How does Elise’s attitude towards Mrs. Wagner’s decisions and emotions reflect her own coping mechanisms and worldview?

    Answer:
    Elise’s attitude toward Mrs. Wagner is marked by a mix of sympathy and critical detachment. While she expresses condolences and listens, she also challenges Mrs. Wagner’s choices—such as the treatment for Suzie—and questions the rationale behind their eviction. Her sarcastic remark about “bad decisions” being called complicated reveals a cynical worldview shaped by recent hardships. Elise’s act of eating the chips mid-conversation and her feigned chuckle suggest a coping mechanism of emotional distancing and deflection. This attitude reflects her struggle to process grief and betrayal while maintaining control over her emotions, illustrating a complex blend of vulnerability, resilience, and skepticism in how she navigates relationships and adversity.

    5. Considering the chapter’s events and dialogue, what might the author be suggesting about the nature of community support and isolation?

    Answer:
    The chapter presents a nuanced view of community support and isolation. On one hand, Mrs. Wagner’s willingness to store Elise’s belongings and invite her over shows a form of support and connection. On the other hand, the landlord’s eviction decision, informed through community channels, creates a sense of exclusion and loss of agency for Elise and Sophie. The interactions reveal that community ties can both nurture and constrain individuals, depending on circumstances and power dynamics. The author suggests that while communities offer potential support, they also impose judgments and limits that can isolate those who are vulnerable. This duality highlights the complexity of human connections, where care and control coexist, impacting individuals’ experiences of belonging and alienation.

    Note