Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Liz's mother, Mrs. Palladino, informs Liz that Sean is on the phone, but Liz declines to speak to Sean. Mrs. Palladino asks Liz to come to the master bedroom where Mrs. Palladino is preparing for a night out at the country club with her husband. Liz is grateful that her stepfather, Mr. Palladino, is still in the shower because he makes her uncomfortable whenever any family discussion takes place.

Mrs. Palladino wonders if Liz has seen the Madonna that Mrs. Palladino has placed on Liz's dresser. Mrs. Palladino hopes that the religious statue will remind Liz of her spirituality and religious obligations, since Liz no longer attends church. Mrs. Palladino also questions Liz about the level of intimacy between Liz and Sean. The line of questioning offends Liz, and her tone turns acerbic toward her mother. Liz has become less of...