Part 2: Chapter 6 Summary

Didion tells us that she got the information for this chapter from Billy Dillon. Following the tragedy, Billy is with Dwight and Ruthie Christian in their living room in Honolulu, along with Inez. All except Inez are eating and drinking as if nothing has happened. Instead of discussing the shooting, they discuss business. Inez doesn't understand, and she is trying, to no avail, to get some answers. They assure her they will send food and condolences to the Omura family, as if that small act of charity would fix everything. Billy doesn't mention Jack Lovett.

Part 2: Chapter 6 Analysis

Once again, in this chapter, we have Didion, a real reporter, functioning for purposes of this story as a fictional reporter. It is Billy Dillon who ironically reports on the insensitivity of the family in this desperate situation, although he himself has been...