XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Sin and Redemption

  Mary's sin of having a child out of wedlock is a central conflict, but her trick with Seraphine leads to a form of redemption and reconciliation with Budda Ben.

• Motherhood and Family

  Mary's identity as a mother to Seraphine is highlighted, and the baby becomes a means to heal family rifts and restore bonds.

• Community and Tradition

  Christmas traditions and the communal involvement of Maum Hannah and Budda Ben in caring for Seraphine reflect the tight-knit community dynamics.

Characters to notice

• Mary Pinesett

  Mary is joyful with her new baby Seraphine but distressed by Budda Ben's anger. She cleverly tricks Budda into holding the baby to mend their relationship.

• Seraphine

  Mary's tiny baby girl, born after July left. She becomes the instrument of reconciliation between Mary and Budda Ben.

• Budda Ben

  Budda is initially angry and unforgiving toward Mary for having Seraphine, but after being tricked into holding the baby, he softens and becomes the only one who can calm her.

• Maum Hannah

  Maum Hannah helps care for Seraphine when Budda is stuck with the baby, making a sugar rag for the infant.

• July Pinesett

  July is mentioned as Mary's former husband who abandoned her, and Mary has moved on with June in his place.

• June

  June is referenced as the man Budda wanted Mary to marry after July left, and now Mary has June in July's place.

Key passages

• “She could never be the same free-hearted girl she had been, for trouble had left a scar somewhere deep down in her breast. But sin and Seraphine had agreed with her.”

  Mary acknowledges that her hardships have permanently changed her, yet she finds that her transgression and her baby have brought her a new kind of contentment.

  Reflects Mary's complex acceptance of her past and her present joy.

• “Budda was too hard on her, too unforgiving. He tried to make her marry June, then he tried to make her quit grieving over July but now, when she had proved to the world by means of Seraphine that July was out of her mind, and June in his place, Budda was cross and mean and would not speak to her even on Christmas Day.”

  Mary feels that Budda's harshness is unfair because she has followed his earlier advice to move on from July, yet he now condemns her for having Seraphine.

  Highlights the contradictory expectations placed on Mary by her community.

• “One of the baby’s hands clutched the end of the red kerchief tie around Budda’s neck, and the other was closed fast around his thumb.”

  Seraphine holds onto Budda's neckerchief and thumb, symbolizing the new bond forming between them.

  Visual metaphor for the reconciliation and affection that begins to grow.