# XIII explained — Mary, Mary

> Chapter companion for Mary, Mary by James Stephens.

## What happens

Mary Makebelieve frequently meets her new friend, a big policeman, who takes her to restaurants and walks with her along the River Dodder. He tells her stories about his work and life, while subtly questioning her about her family. Mary lies about her mother's occupation, claiming she is a dressmaker instead of a charwoman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Survival

Mary's shame about her mother's work as a charwoman highlights the stigma and struggle of poverty.

### Fantasy vs. Reality

Mary's perception of the restaurant as a fairy-tale place contrasts with the harsh reality of her home life.

### Social Class and Aspiration

Mary's lie about her mother being a dressmaker reflects her desire to appear higher in social class.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Makebelieve

Mary enjoys the attention and company of the policeman, but lies about her mother's work out of shame.

### The Man

The big policeman who frequently meets Mary, takes her to restaurants, and tells her stories while subtly questioning her.

### Mrs. Makebelieve

Mary's mother, whose occupation as a charwoman Mary is ashamed of and lies about.

## Key lines

> She had never been in a restaurant before, and it seemed to her like a place in fairyland.

Mary had never dined out before, and the restaurant felt magical to her.

_Highlights Mary's inexperience and her tendency to romanticize new experiences._

> She could not bear to say that her mother was a charwoman. It did not seem fitting.

Mary was too ashamed to admit her mother cleaned houses for a living.

_Reveals Mary's internalized class shame and her desire to impress the policeman._

## Links

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