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Chapter 25
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Great Alone, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Trauma and Violence
Paranoia and the Vietnam War
Isolation
Family and Community
Death and Grief
Coming of Age
Summary
Analysis
The same day as their trip to the library, Cora and Leni receive a gift from Mr. Golliher: new identities. Because Cora’s father is a lawyer, he managed to pull some strings to get them the required documents. He tells Cora and Leni that they will rent a house nearby and live under these new identities. Cora is shocked by what her father has done for her, but before the conversation can go any further, the police arrive. Leni and Cora hide upstairs while detectives question the Gollihers. The Gollihers feign ignorance and act shocked when they are told that Leni and Cora are missing. The police don’t suspect anything, so they merely offer their sympathies and leave after all their questions are answered.
Even though they’ve not seen Cora in many years, the Gollihers risk going to jail themselves in order to keep her and Leni safe. Although the Gollihers are absent for much of the book, this is a major development for them. They’ve already lost their daughter multiple times, and do not want to risk it again. In addition, the police seem clueless, and it appears that Leni and Cora really are going to be able to start new lives.
Themes
Over the next several months, Leni regularly calls Matthew’s rehab facility to check on him, even though she knows that it’s risky. She also writes him letters, although she does not dare to send them. In the letters, she talks about her new life. She enjoys living near her grandparents and is excited that she will soon be attending the University of Washington. However, she misses the beauty of Alaska and still feels guilty for leaving Matthew. Soon, Leni’s baby arrives. She opts for a natural childbirth, a decision she quickly regrets, and after a lot of pain, she gives birth to a healthy baby boy. She names the child Matthew Denali Walker, Junior—MJ, for short.
Leni continues to jeopardize her wellbeing for the sake of Matthew. She feels guilty, much like Matthew did after his mother’s death. However, she is taking significant steps toward improving her life, including a college education. As a way to demonstrate her love for Matthew, she names her child after him.
Themes
