Part 2, Chapter 17 Summary

The trial ends in late June. Hanna is convicted and sentenced to life in prison. On the day of the sentencing, Hanna arrives in court dressed in a severe black suit with a white blouse. Her outfit is reminiscent of an SS uniform and the court spectators are outraged. Michael is appalled at Hanna's dress and, at some level, is relieved to learn she will spend the rest of her life in prison and, hence, beyond contact. Michael notes that throughout the sentencing Hanna stares straight ahead, as if at attention, and never looks back to see if he is in the court.

Part 2, Chapter 17 Analysis

Chapter 17 concludes Part 2 of the novel. Part 2 begins in 1959 but quickly proceeds to 1965. Although the narrative structure of Part 2 is not strictly chronological, the basic structure does allow for a conventionally chronological presentation of major...