Summary

In Chapter 19, Noemí had a last dinner with the Doyles. In order to not seem defeated, she wore a party dress, a “buff-colored embroidered tulle dress with metallic gold accents, a yellow acetate bow at the waist, and a perfectly boned bodice” (199). The family made an exception to the no-talking rule, and Virgil announced they were planning to reopen the mine in town. When Noemí suggested this was callous to do while his wife was not well, Virgil replied, “The plant must find the light, and we must find our way in the world. You may consider that callous. I find it natural” (202). After dinner, the Doyles and Noemí went to see Howard. Howard was lying naked on his bed and Virgil urged Noemí to move closer to him. When she attempted to run away, Florence and Virgil forced her to kneel before...