From: Kathleen Horning <horning>
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 12:50:00 -600

Perry, what terrific insights you've had into the use of names in
"Walk Two Moons!" I, too, was first led to wonder about the significance of them because of the name "Cadaver." I appreciated everything you wrote about all the names and was especially struck by your comment that the names are significant for the lies they tell and the truth they hide. This, I think, is in keeping with the structure of the novel as a whole, beginning with the metaphor of the chimney behind the wall that Sal's father finds when he spends his evenings chipping away at the plaster. Sal uses this metaphor to explain how her story is hidden behind Phoebe's story. Throughout the book, Phoebe's story is used to deflect readers from Sal's story.
  I think that's why the ending comes as such a surprise to so many people -- Sal has been hiding the truth from us (and herself).
Received on Mon 17 Jul 1995 01:50:00 PM CDT