Chain Letter

A chain letter is the central device of the novel and its title. The book opens with Fran's receipt of the letter and it is the commands made and punishments threatened by the letter that structure the narrative. The chain letter is written by an entity who calls himself or herself the Caretaker. We learn only near the end of the novel that Neil is the Caretaker. The chain letter instructs its recipients to check the classifieds section of the "Times" for the act of obedience that they are to perform. It also instructs its readers not to tell anyone about the letter outside the seven involved in last summer's incident, or face severe punishment.

Emerald Ring

Neil wears an emerald ring that we learn about when Alison admires it one day during a group meeting at Fran's house. Alison asks to try on the ring...