Book 2, Chapter 26, (Feet Dreams) Summary

October/November 2006 Henry = 43

Henry begins having bizarre dreams about running and dancing in the Nutcracker Ballet, upon stumps.

Friday November 3, 2006 Henry = 43: Clare = 35

Henry begins teaching Clare how to cook; as she becomes increasingly better, she begins to worry that it will not be long before Henry leaves her.

Book 2, Chapter 26, (Feet Dreams) Analysis

Henry dreams because his sub-conscious is battling with the need to run and feel the restraints of confinement removed. The fact that he dances such a complicated ballet as the nutcracker on stumps suggests that he perceives himself as still being a strong willed and determined individual, though the role of the sugar plum fairy may indicate that he feels his masculinity is being challenged to some degree. Niffenegger's use of the Nutcracker metaphorically allows us to perceive the depth of Henry's feelings more...