In Country Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 3: Chapter 1 Summary

Part 3: Chapter 1 Summary

The narrative switches back to the road trip. Sam reflects on what happened since she ran away to Cawood's Pond. After her breakdown, Sam could not eat or figure out what to do with herself. She realized she was acting as if Emmett often behaved, "strung out and dazed." She also knew she was making him an impatient caretaker and she enjoyed the switching of roles. After a couple of days, Emmett announced they would go to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington. He persuaded Mamaw to go on the trip. Then, he got a job at Burger Boy so could begin to pay back money he owed the V.A. He told Sam that she wouldn't need a job because she was going to Lexington. Sam knew that Emmett was making positive changes but she did not have the energy to be happy.

Now on the road, Sam sees America as...
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