# XXI 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 leads a double life, maintaining a loving marriage with Laughing Boy while secretly meeting her American lover George, embodying the theme of deception and duality.

### Tradition vs. Modernity

The winter strain on the marriage highlights the conflict between traditional Navajo values and the modern, American-influenced lifestyle that Slim Girl is drawn to.

## Character check-ins

### Laughing Boy

Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy and hope, but later becomes troubled by the winter's strain on their marriage.

### Slim Girl

Returns home with Laughing Boy, but continues her secret relationship with George Hartshorn, causing tension in the marriage.

### George Hartshorn

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

## Key lines

> Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy.

After their visit to Laughing Boy's family, the couple comes back to their home feeling happy and hopeful.

_This marks the beginning of the chapter, showing the couple's initial happiness._

> Winter strains the marriage.

The cold season brings difficulties and tension to Laughing Boy and Slim Girl's relationship.

_This event captures the growing discord in their marriage as Slim Girl's secret life continues._

## Links

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