# XVIII 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 Slim Girl's secret life with George Hartshorn continues.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Duality

Slim Girl leads a double life, maintaining her marriage with Laughing Boy while secretly meeting George Hartshorn.

### Tradition vs. Modernity

The winter strain highlights the clash between Laughing Boy's traditional Navajo expectations and Slim Girl's involvement with American modernity.

## Character check-ins

### Laughing Boy

Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy but later experiencing strain in the marriage during winter.

### Slim Girl

Returns home with Laughing Boy, but continues her secret relationship with George Hartshorn, causing winter strain.

### George Hartshorn

Slim Girl's American lover, whose ongoing relationship with her contributes to the winter strain on her marriage.

## Links

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