319-397

I don’t understand the point Eugenides is making by having Maxine die. Is it because she Jewish? Maxine was not a major character and they treated her death like it wasn’t a big deal. All Callie and the object say are, “I keep thinking about Maxine. I can’t believe she is dead.” (343). I don’t understand why Eugenides has a character that doesn’t really say or do much for the story die. The way Cal describes her death is very blunt and to the point, without much sympathy. Why even have her in the story if her death doesn’t really do anything. In my mind, her character and her death don’t enhance the narrative at all, it is like a random fact that wasn’t necessary.

Milton’s denouncement of his heritage not only the fact that he is very much so Americanized but also the fact that he is becoming increasingly angry and rash. It seems to be that Tessie and Milton’s marriage is falling apart. Tessie anxiety is getting worse and worse especially with each passing day that Callie does not get her period. I think that in attempt not only to calm her mother’s nerves but also a way to keep her parent’s marriage in tact Callie fakes, her period. And what a clever way to do it: inhaling the incense in church while her mother is praying for Chapter 11. The place her mother is the most worried is the place where she relieves her mother’s anxiety only a little bit but enough for the time being.