43 pages 1 hour read

Cormac McCarthy

Stella Maris

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 3, Chapters 6-7

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3, Chapter 6 Summary

Alicia describes hitting the road, embracing her philosophy of evading life’s challenges, and taking residence in random hotel rooms while the Kid performed his shows for her. In this chapter, the incestuous relationship between Alicia and Bobby is unveiled. She discloses that they began dating after her graduation, frequenting bars for dancing where they pretended to be a married couple. Alicia admits to her earnest desire to marry Bobby, disregarding societal taboos surrounding incest. Despite sharing two kisses, Bobby recoils in shame, pushing her away. Alicia, envisioning a future together, encourages him to date other girls in the hope that he will eventually recognize his love for her. However, she crosses a boundary by telling him about a dream in which the two have sex. Bobby sternly advises her not to speak of such matters again.

Part 3, Chapter 7 Summary

In the concluding chapter, Alicia discloses her history of self-harm, detailing how she used to engage in cutting herself, driven by an enigmatic guilt, possibly related to incestuous feelings toward her brother. The Kid has departed, and Alicia expresses a longing for his presence, acknowledging that he helped keep her suicidal thoughts at bay. She shares moments of lucidity when her feelings of dread and destruction temporarily dissipate, usually late at night, only to resurface later.

Related Titles

By Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

All The Pretty Horses

Cormac McCarthy

All The Pretty Horses

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

Blood Meridian

Cormac McCarthy

Blood Meridian

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

Child of God

Cormac McCarthy

Child of God

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

Cities of the Plain

Cormac McCarthy

Cities of the Plain

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

Outer Dark

Cormac McCarthy

Outer Dark

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

Suttree

Cormac McCarthy

Suttree

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

The Crossing

Cormac McCarthy

The Crossing

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

The Orchard Keeper

Cormac McCarthy

The Orchard Keeper

Cormac McCarthy

Study Guide

logo

The Passenger

Cormac McCarthy

The Passenger

Cormac McCarthy