Summary

In Chapter 11, Thomas, John Cole, and Winona prepare for their first show in Grand Rapids, and Thomas remarks on the complex process of dressing up like a woman. Moments before going onstage, they get nervous and “tense as fencing wire” (131), and Thomas has a vision of his father in his grave. When he appears on the brightly lit stage, the entire hall falls silent. Thomas realizes that the spectators, who desire to touch and kiss the attractive “soft-breasted woman” (132) he performs on stage, envy John Cole in that moment. The hall is filled with suspense and intrigue, and when they finish the audience breaks out in a tumultuous uproar of delight. Mr. Noone is “over the moon” (133) with their success.

John Cole tries to register Winona to a nearby school, but she is not accepted because she is Native American. This upsets John...