Reading in the Dark

Mother, 1953

The narrator describes his mother’s deteriorating mental state after confronting her father’s death and the revelation about Eddie. She loses touch with reality, often wandering in the backyard at night saying, “Burning; it’s all burning” (144). She sobs often and communicates less frequently with her family.

A year later, she improves a little and throws away all of her medication. By that time, the medicine has rotted her teeth, and she starts wearing false ones. 

The Facts of Life, September 1953

The narrator goes to meet with Father Nugent for the “facts-of-life talk,” the Catholic school version of sex education (153). Father Nugent describes sex in general terms, leaning on Latin terminology. He also asserts that “Sex without love is akin to murder” (160). The narrator only partially understands what Father Nugent is talking about but does not ask any questions.  

Going to the Pictures, November 1953

The narrator and his friends often go to the movies on Saturdays when there is no football game to watch. One day, he goes to the movies with friends and Irene Mackey, the girl he has a crush on. Irene has a boyfriend, Greneghan, but she and the narrator hold hands at the movies.