Chapter 5: Deuteronomy

            This chapter was the shortest so far, but it was interesting because the entirety of the chapter was Jeanette’s thoughts on time and the past. The chapter starts out very strong with, “Time is a great deadener.” (Winterson 107) The rest of the chapter builds on this premise with great descriptions and examples. I think this chapter explains some of the views the author herself has on the past and memories. In one of her interviews she talks about her unique view on the subject, this chapter may be one of the core pillars of her view. This chapter could be setting up the reader for something later in the book. Possibly if Jeanette leaves this life behind for something new, I think this chapter will apply heavily when she thinks about her past. A past that may not be that pleasant to remember. Nothing drastic has happened yet that would force her to become estranged with her mother or the church, but some foreshadowing has taken place. Jeanette’s undefined relationship with Melanie may be something that develops in a way that her current lifestyle would view negatively. My thoughts while reading this chapter is if this chapter is a sort of interlude. Separating the acts of the story. Previously Jeanette had met and befriended Melanie. That friendship was slowly changing. Quite possibly in the future this friendship may evolve into something other than platonic. IF that happens this chapter is well placed to separate the story. From before, her comfortable problem free life, to after, a possible question ridden life about her sexuality and the fallibility of the church.

            The majority of this chapter was on Jeanette’s thoughts regarding time and the past, thoughts that she applies to a history book towards the end of the chapter. While looking at the book she thought, “Perhaps the event has an unassailable truth. God saw it. God knows it. But I am not God. And so when someone tells me what they heard or saw, I believe them, and I believe their friend who also saw, but not in the same way, and I can put these accounts together and I will not have a seamless wonder but a sandwich laced with mustard of my own.” (Winterson 110) This quote near the end of the chapter encapsulates perfectly the one of Jeanette’s personal views. While not mention beyond the one time in this chapter I think the history book Jeanette looks at is a strong symbol. The history book represents something beyond just being a book, it represents the past. When Jeanette looks at a history book, she doesn’t just see a biased history somebody wrote down, she also understands that their view of the past may differ from hers or somebody else’s. The past can be subjective based on the person telling the story. This chapter is also unique in the way that it doesn’t appear to have multiple scenes in one chapter. The chapter instead contains her inner thoughts with a reference to a single history book. By being one of the only physical objects referenced in the chapter, this places emphasis on the book, turning it into a symbol.