Part Three: Unbecoming - Chapters 18 and 19 Summary and Analysis

In May of 1957, Willard attends a session with Dr. Wilbur, who asks questions about his marriage to Hattie and their life in Willow Corners, and seems to be attacking Mr. Dorsett for his failing financial and psychological support of Sybil. Dr. Wilbur firmly believes that Willard must finally step forward and take responsibility.

Willard reels from the realization that Hattie was the one responsible for Sybil being locked in the wheat bin. He now knows why Sybil screamed when the buttonhook was used on her shoes. He states that he has no knowledge of the atrocities happening but he firmly believes that Hattie was capable of committing such horrific acts. Willard Dorsett is guilty by omission and serves as a secondary root to Sybil's dissociation.

Willard relays that Hattie had been...