Flight · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Mimi, now in Philadelphia, struggles to make a life for herself and her baby, Jean.
What happens
Mimi, now in Philadelphia, struggles to make a life for herself and her baby, Jean. She works as a seamstress, living frugally and avoiding social contact. She reflects on her past with Carl and her love for her son, and she finds some solace in the kindness of the Mannings, who help her find work. The chapter ends with Mimi's growing independence and her determination to provide for her child.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Self-Reinvention
Mimi adapts to a new life in Philadelphia, working as a seamstress and caring for her child, showing her determination to overcome hardship.
Family and Sacrifice
Mimi sacrifices her own comfort and social life to provide for her son, Jean, and she lies to the Mannings to avoid burdening them.
Characters to notice
- Mimi Daquin
Mimi works as a seamstress in Philadelphia, caring for her baby Jean. She reflects on her past and her love for her son.
- Old Jean
Mimi's deceased husband, for whom she still wears mourning clothes.
- Carl Hunter
Mimi's former lover, whom she now sees as weak and indecisive.
- The Mannings
An elderly couple who helped Mimi find work and provided support.
Key passages
“Month by month the time rolled slowly by for Mimi. She slept late in the morning, went out for walks in the afternoon or to a moving-picture show, retired early every evening.”
Mimi's days in Philadelphia were monotonous, filled with simple routines and little social interaction.
This paraphrase captures the dullness of Mimi's life in the city.
“She gave up attendance at church, for she was envious of anything which took her away from Jean.”
Mimi stopped going to church because she preferred to spend all her time with her son.
This shows Mimi's devotion to her child over religious practice.