Chapter 16, Epilogue Summary and Analysis

Chapter 16: In August 1983, Grandpa Wells (Doris Jean's father) dies from lung cancer, peacefully. Grandma Wells is devastated and deeply grieving. Walker and her sister Jan arrange funeral details.

The casket viewing takes place, and Doris Jean breaks out into soul-wrenching sobs. Never having the hearing to monitor her own sounds, she is sobbing very loudly, but Walker and everyone realize Doris Jean must do this to grieve, and the family does what they can to comfort her.

Walker interprets for the actual funeral service. She thinks about Grandpa Wells, and all of her relatives alive and dead. While once she was angry at Grandpa Wells for failing to express his love for Doris Jean and properly deal with her deafness, at the service she loses that anger and hurt

Epilogue: Walker's sister Jan's wedding takes place on the heels...