Part 2, Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

Krakauer begins Chapter 16 by describing Brenda's fear of the Lafferty brothers. In addition to this fear, Allen has become more and more abusive of Brenda when she stood up to him or his brothers. At one point, Brenda announces to her sister that she plans to leave Allen. At the time, the sister tells Brenda to work things out with her husband. Knowing now the horror of Brenda's situation with Allen, her sister wishes she hadn't encouraged her sister to go back to Allen.

Meanwhile, during their road trip, Ron and Dan take the opportunity to get to know each other better. It is during this time that Dan seems to become less sure about Ron's revelation. He indicates he prays about the situation and believes he received from God instructions to stay with his brother. Krakauer goes on...