Epilogue Summary and Analysis

Russo's Epilogue is essentially a summary and analysis of the character C.B. Whiting and in it he reveals something that may not have occurred even to the most astute reader. When C.B. was summoned back to Empire Falls after serving his penance in Mexico following his affair with Grace, he did not return with the intent of killing himself. Indeed, he did bring a revolver with him for a specific purpose, but it was to murder his wife, not take his own life. C.B. was attempting to fulfill the intent of his paternal ancestor, who tried to kill C.B.'s maternal ancestor with a shovel. When C.B. arrived on his mission of mayhem, however, he encountered his wife Francine in the company of both Grace Roby-who was now his wife's handmaiden, and not at...