# XIII explained — Laughing Boy

> Chapter companion for Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge.

## What happens

Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter strains their marriage as tensions and old habits resurface.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Identity

The chapter explores the joy of homecoming and the subsequent strain on the couple's love as they face winter hardships.

### Tradition vs. Modernity

The winter strain on the marriage hints at conflicts between traditional Navajo ways and modern influences.

## Character check-ins

### Laughing Boy

Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy but later struggling with the winter's strain on their marriage.

### Slim Girl

Returns home with Laughing Boy, but the winter brings challenges to their relationship.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/laughing_boy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters