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Chapter 34
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Elatsoe, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Family and Friendship
Justice
Cultural Identity and Coming of Age
Colonialism and Monsters
Death, Grief, and Healing
Storytelling
Summary
Analysis
As Ellie is packing to leave a few days later, Lenore texts her to meet in the park. Kirby doesn’t respond to Ellie’s call, so Ellie goes to the park alone. Lenore is there with a box and Gregory, who’s asleep in a stroller. She gives Ellie the box and says she used to work at a comic book store. Inside are lots of graphic novels, which Lenore said used to be hers but which she wants Ellie to have. As they watch a man push his daughter on a swing, Lenore says that “he” (Trevor) was a good man and father.
In addition to wanting to thank Ellie in general, Lenore also shows that she’s beginning to move on and now has more respect for Lipan burial traditions. This is why she now uses pronouns and not Trevor’s name: she realizes her mistake in disturbing his grave and trying to call him back. Following the rituals helps both Lenore and Ellie begin to move forward and find closure.
Themes
