Chapter 13 Summary

Uncle Benjamin tries to convince Valancy to go see the family doctor. Valancy refuses. Olives mother sends Olive to speak with Valancy about seeing the doctor, but it doesn't work either. When Olive tells her mother, Aunt Wellington, of Valancy's responses to her pleas to see a doctor, Aunt Wellington implies Valancy is crazy and that they can't begrudge Valancy for what she says. Aunt Wellington demands Valancy apologize to Olive, but when Valancy refuses, a family meeting is called. Uncle James consults with Dr. Marsh, who says that nothing Valancy has done or said can be construed as crazy.

Chapter 13 Analysis

Valancy's family believes that normal behavior is docile behavior, where Valancy does what they and what they expect of her. Any behavior that falls outside of their guidelines, Valancy's family deems as abnormal or even downright crazy.