Summary

Chapters 83 – 93: Vollman, Bevins, and Willie follow Abraham Lincoln to the chapel that is situated on the cemetery grounds. There, Willie merges with his father. Willie listens to his father’s thoughts, trying to discern some advice regarding Willie’s situation. The novel then gives three short series of historical entries. The first details Willie’s death, the second details his embalming, and the third details his funeral. The narrative then refocuses on the cemetery, where Willie separates from his father’s form. Willie declares that he realizes what he and the others in the bardo truly are. He says that they are all dead; he says he learned this from his father’s thoughts. Several occupants of the bardo who hear this immediately disappear in the matterlightblooming phenomenon, and then Willie himself passes on. Willie experiences an extreme serenity, and then he feels like...