Pilgrim at Tinker Creek Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 14, Section 2 Summary

Chapter 14, Section 2 Summary

Monarch butterflies have arrived in swarm from the Hudson Bay area. The butterflies are on their way south. Dillard observes one monarch climbing a hill by flying high and then gliding downwards while angling its wings to move forward. When the insect reaches Dillard's home, it flaps its wings with determination and forces its body over the roof. Dillard wonders how many more obstacles it will have to overcome on its journey south.

Dillard writes that monarchs have great stamina and can fly completely across Lake Superior without rest. The butterflies, rather than flying due south, start their journey across the lake going east. At a similar point every year, they suddenly turn south to complete their crossing. Dillard lays her finger across the path of a walking monarch, and the insect climbs onto her finger. When Dillard leans closely so that the wings brush her cheek, she realizes that...
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