Chapters 15-17 Summary

Lelia and Henry have moved back in together. She freelances as a speech therapist. One night, they listen to the news and learn that Kwang’s campaign headquarters has been burned down. Lelia becomes worried about Henry’s safety. As they lie in bed, he thinks back on how emotionally destroyed Lelia was after Mitt died. He’d let her be alone in her grief, thinking it was best. He realizes he needs to stop hiding his emotions from her.

It turns out a young volunteer, Eduardo Fermin, was killed in the fire. The press clamor for a statement from Kwang, but taking Eduardo’s death hard, Kwang avoids the public eye. Eventually, he asks to see Henry. When Henry visits Kwang, he is greeted by Kwang’s son, who treats him courteously. He thinks of how Mitt was given a more American childhood. Henry notices that Kwang’s son’s Korean is better than his own. Kwang asks Henry to take Eduardo’s job.

Chapters 15-17 Analysis

These chapters begin with a picture of domestic bliss. Lelia and Henry are back in their apartment, and she’s giving speech lessons to children. This sweet scene foreshadows the end of the novel. However, there is still plot conflict to resolve before the happy ending. The fire at the office comes as a reminder that not all is yet well in the story. It also brings up difficult memories and emotions for Lelia. Tragedy comes unexpectedly, whether it is a fire or the death of a son.

Henry’s interactions with Kwang and his family illustrate Henry’s uncomfortable place between cultures. Kwang has taught his sons Korean customs regarding how to respect an elder, and their Korean is more confident than Henry’s. Henry did not teach Mitt these customs or language. This is the dilemma of forging an identity out of two cultures. He is not fully one or the other. Henry’s English is too careful, and occasionally old mistakes surface unexpectedly. Furthermore, his Korean is hesitant.