Flight · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
Jean Daquin dies peacefully, and Mimi is overwhelmed by grief and remorse.
What happens
Jean Daquin dies peacefully, and Mimi is overwhelmed by grief and remorse. She arranges a Catholic funeral despite opposition, and endures the whispers of gossiping women. Her relationship with Carl is left uncertain as she mourns.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Sacrifice
Mimi's remorse highlights the sacrifices she failed to make for Jean, and her determination to honor his wishes in death.
Religion and Hypocrisy
Mimi's insistence on a Catholic burial contrasts with Mrs. Daquin's performative grief and the gossiping women's hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Mimi Daquin
Grieves deeply for Jean, feels remorse for not having been more attentive, and insists on a Catholic burial.
- Jean Daquin
Dies peacefully in his sleep, leaving Mimi to reflect on their last conversation.
- Carl Hunter
Visits Mimi after Jean's death, expressing his love for Jean and his sorrow.
- Hilda Adams
Attends to Mimi after she faints, conveying her father's orders and helping with arrangements.
- Mrs. Daquin
Shows superficial grief, which irritates Mimi, and suggests a Protestant service.
Key passages
“Why don't I cry, she wondered, like all women do and most men when death comes?”
Mimi questions her lack of tears, feeling guilty for not displaying conventional grief.
Highlights Mimi's internal conflict and societal expectations of mourning.
“She knew now what he had meant—her own body was there in that straw container.”
Mimi empathizes with Jean's earlier feeling of being in the casket, now experiencing it herself.
Shows the depth of her connection to Jean and her overwhelming sense of loss.