Erasure

by

Percival Everett

Maynard is an older man who works as a guard in the town where the Ellisons own a summer house. He reconnects with Lorraine when she, Monk, and Mother spend a few weeks at the beach house as a last vacation for Mother before it’s time to move her into an assisted living center. A romance soon develops between Maynard and Lorraine, and they decide to get married on that same vacation.
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Maynard Character Timeline in Erasure

The timeline below shows where the character Maynard appears in Erasure. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 9
Race and Identity  Theme Icon
Familial Obligation vs. Personal Needs  Theme Icon
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success  Theme Icon
Authenticity   Theme Icon
...the gate to the beach recognizes Monk, addressing him by name. He introduces himself as Maynard Boatwright. The name is familiar to Monk, though he doesn’t recognize this old man as... (full context)
Chapter 10
Race and Identity  Theme Icon
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success  Theme Icon
Authenticity   Theme Icon
...alienate her” and ruin everything. He looks out onto the water and sees Lorraine and Maynard drift by in a little skiff, laughing together. He wants to be happy for Lorraine,... (full context)
Chapter 11
Race and Identity  Theme Icon
Familial Obligation vs. Personal Needs  Theme Icon
Mother’s state of mind continues to deteriorate. Meanwhile, a romance buds between Maynard and Lorraine. Monk continues to see Marilyn. One day, he knocks on her door and... (full context)
Authenticity   Theme Icon
Later, Maynard stops by to see Lorraine, and they announce that they’re getting married. The wedding will... (full context)
Chapter 12
Race and Identity  Theme Icon
Familial Obligation vs. Personal Needs  Theme Icon
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success  Theme Icon
Authenticity   Theme Icon
Lorraine is spending the night at Maynard’s to prepare for the wedding, so Mother’s care falls to Monk. This morning is particularly... (full context)
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success  Theme Icon
Maynard’s house is chaotic, full of clashing personalities and opinions. Maynard’s daughter, for one, can’t stand... (full context)