74 pages • 2 hours read
Larry McmurtryA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Before You Read
Summary
Background
Part 1, Chapters 1-5
Part 1, Chapters 6-10
Part 1, Chapters 11-15
Part 1, Chapters 16-20
Part 1, Chapters 21-25
Part 2, Chapters 26-30
Part 2, Chapters 31-35
Part 2, Chapters 36-40
Part 2, Chapters 41-45
Part 2, Chapters 46-50
Part 2, Chapters 51-55
Part 2, Chapters 56-60
Part 2, Chapters 61-65
Part 2, Chapters 66-70
Part 2, Chapters 71-74
Part 3, Chapters 75-80
Part 3, Chapters 81-85
Part 3, Chapters 86-90
Part 3, Chapters 91-95
Part 3, Chapters 96-102
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Clara sees that July is depressed. She asks him to help her tend to Bob. He holds Bob while she gives him a sponge bath. She tells July that Elmira doesn’t want the baby; if he doesn’t want it, she’ll take it. The next day, Elmira isn’t there when he visits. He goes back and helps Clara shuck corn.
The next morning July watches Clara and Cholo geld horses. He helps them. That afternoon, she puts Martin in his arms. She asks July to stay on as a hand. He hums to the baby, and she shows him how to hold Martin. He starts to think that he should leave Elmira alone.
As they near Ogallala, the men are overcome with talk of the brothel. Po Campo encourages them all to get haircuts instead of soliciting sex workers. Deets is sad, and Call doesn’t understand why he doesn’t like the North. He reminds Call of an old animal before it dies. Gus thinks Deets senses something bad.
Lorena is worried that Clara will judge her. Gus misses his independence, even though he loves Lorena. He asks Deets if he’s ever wanted something he can’t have. Deets only says he wishes they were back at the river.
By Larry Mcmurtry