# XVII explained — Laughing Boy

> Chapter companion for Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge.

## What happens

Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after a successful visit to his family, but the winter brings strain to their marriage as Slim Girl's secret life with George Hartshorn continues.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Duality

Slim Girl maintains a double life, deceiving Laughing Boy about her ongoing relationship with George Hartshorn, highlighting the theme of duality in her identity.

### Tradition vs. Modernity

The winter strain on the marriage symbolizes the clash between traditional Navajo values and the encroaching modern American world, as Slim Girl is pulled between both.

## Character check-ins

### Laughing Boy

Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy and hope, but later struggles with the winter's isolation and his wife's absences.

### Slim Girl

Triumphs over Laughing Boy's family during the visit, but her secret meetings with George Hartshorn create tension in the marriage.

### George Hartshorn

Slim Girl's American lover, whose continued presence in her life strains the marriage during the winter.

## Key lines

> Slim Girl Triumphs Over Laughing Boy's Family

Slim Girl successfully wins over Laughing Boy's family during their visit, demonstrating her social skill and determination.

_This event marks a turning point in their relationship, but also sets the stage for future conflicts._

> Winter Strains the Marriage

The harsh winter isolates the couple, and Slim Girl's secret meetings with George Hartshorn create growing tension and unhappiness.

_The season becomes a metaphor for the cooling of their relationship and the hidden deceptions within it._

## Links

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