Summary

In Chapter 1 of "Mute," in the confession booth, Monette was at first unable to talk He stared at the sign: “FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF GOD’S GLORY” (256) that he did not think was standard equipment for a confessional. When Monette was able to speak, he told the priest he thought he had committed a terrible sin. When the priest asked what his sin was, Monette replied that the priest would have to decide.

In Chapter 2, Monette, a traveling salesman, had just had a bad weekend. His wife had moved to a motel with her boyfriend. She would probably be going to jail. Because he did not think things could get worse, he picked up a hitchhiker holding a sign that stated he was deaf and mute. The man only shrugged when Monette attempted to communicate with him. As Monette drove...