Chapter 15- The chapter describes Joseph eagerly awaiting the rain, observing nature’s signs, and preparing for the impending storm. He is deeply connected to the land and finds joy in the rain’s arrival. The rain eventually comes, bringing relief and rejuvenation to the dry earth. The family celebrates Thanksgiving and prepares for Christmas as the grass grows lush and green. An old Mexican peddler visits, sparking the idea of hosting a fiesta on New Year’s Day. Joseph eagerly plans for the event, embracing the community spirit and looking forward to the celebration.
Chapter 16- Martha, Rama’s oldest girl, predicts rain for the fiesta, causing the other children to believe her and feel upset. Old Juan and his son-in-law, Manuel, arrive at Joseph’s porch and share news about the fiesta, including the arrival of Father Angelo to hold mass. Burton is unhappy about the fiesta and refuses to participate due to his opposition to the Catholic Church. Preparations for the fiesta include buying wine and whiskey, butchering steers, building an altar, and making salsa. The guitars arrive and set up a pavilion, followed by the arrival of Father Angelo and the guests. Father Angelo conducts mass, folds up his carved figures of Christ and Mary, and warns Joseph about pouring wine on a tree. The fiesta begins with the serving of food and drinks, dancing, and music from the guitars. The rhythm of the music intensifies, and the dancing becomes more energetic and communal. The Indians join the festivities, and the music and dancing reach a powerful and transformative state.
The chapter describes a gathering where people are dancing and celebrating, with Joseph feeling a deep connection to the earth and a sense of powerful prayer in the air. A storm approaches, causing fear in some like Burton, who sees it as devil-worship, while others like Thomas see it as a natural event. The storm interrupts the festivities, and people rush to prepare for the rain. Elizabeth, observing Joseph, notices his joy in the storm and later reveals to him that she is pregnant, which fills him with both happiness and fear. Joseph expresses the significance of bearing a child as a tie to the earth and a proof of belonging.
Elizabeth tells Joseph about a strange custom where fathers in Norway or Russia go to the barn to tell the horses and cows about important family events. Joseph reassures Elizabeth that he is going to check on the halter ropes, not because of the custom. Elizabeth pleads with Joseph to stay with her and not go out, expressing her loneliness and fear. She reminisces about a doll she had as a child and compares the preciousness of Christmas to that feeling. Joseph comforts Elizabeth and promises to stay with her, but secretly leaves when she falls asleep. Joseph goes outside and speaks softly to a great oak tree, telling it about the upcoming baby and asking for protection from the storm. Burton interrupts Joseph and warns him about his pagan practices, urging him to return to God and cut down the tree. Joseph dismisses Burton’s concerns and laughs at him, refusing to give up his beliefs. Joseph returns to the house, leaving Burton behind.
Chapter 17- The arrival of spring brings lush green grass and abundant food for the animals on the farm. The river is full and the trees provide shelter and shade. The farm buildings have weathered the wet winter and moss has started growing on the roofs. The animals on the farm, such as cows and pigs, are thriving and producing healthy offspring. The women on the ranch prepare for the birth of Elizabeth’s child, creating a comfortable and elegant environment. The men work hard during the spring, plowing the fields and planting crops.
The women sit on the porch, sewing and discussing childbirth and babies. Joseph, the husband, is busy with farm work and takes a trip to buy supplies for Elizabeth. Elizabeth becomes anxious and fearful while Joseph is away, imagining worst-case scenarios. She longs for the pine grove on the ridge and decides to go for a ride alone. Thomas, a farm worker, expresses concern about her going alone but eventually agrees to let her drive herself.
Elizabeth instinctively knew that she shouldn’t go to the pines, but curiosity led her there. She ventured deep into the forest, encountering a mysterious green rock that triggered memories and a sense of isolation. As fear gripped her, she fled back to safety, finding solace in familiar sights and a prayer for protection. Reflecting on her family’s past and the power of imagination, Elizabeth regained composure and adorned the house with flowers.
Chapter 18- The summer heat is intense, causing everything to seek shade and water sources to dry up. Thomas is cutting and curing hay, Joseph is preparing cattle for sale, and Burton is getting ready for a trip to attend camp-meetings. Elizabeth, Joseph’s wife, is pregnant and possessive of her husband’s company. Joseph loves a tree because it reminds him of his deceased father. Elizabeth reveals her knowledge and wisdom during her pregnancy. Elizabeth’s due date is approaching, and she becomes anxious about the upcoming birth. Elizabeth suddenly experiences intense pain, and Joseph calls for Rama, a woman who will assist with the birth. Rama guides Joseph and Elizabeth through the labor process. The children listen outside the bedroom window, aware that sometimes births can be dangerous.
The chapter describes a scene where Martha and other children eagerly await the birth of a baby. Martha cleverly predicts the baby’s arrival by listening for the sound of a spank. The birth is difficult, and Elizabeth suffers greatly. Joseph, the father, is emotionally drained by the experience. After the birth, Elizabeth dreams of a green rock in a pine grove and asks Joseph to take her there once she is well.
Chapter 19- The summer is hot and dragging on, even into the autumn months. Burton returns from a campmeeting town and expresses enthusiasm for building a house there. Burton is pleased with the baby and believes it has inherited strong traits from their family. Elizabeth and Joseph spend time outside under the shade of an oak tree. Joseph wants to sit the baby in the tree, but Burton strongly objects and begs him not to do it. Burton reveals that Joseph has been denying Christ and worshiping the tree, which Joseph sees as a simple thing. Burton decides to leave and build a house in Pacific Grove with his partner Harriet. Burton believes that the land and people in the area are influenced by an evil force. Joseph offers to swear not to sit the baby in the tree, but Burton believes his oath would not hold. Burton leaves without further discussion, and Joseph holds the baby within the crotch of the tree.
Chapter 20- Burton is leaving the ranch because he believes his wife, Harriet, will be happier in a town with more social interaction. Joseph, Burton’s brother, understands his decision but expresses sadness at his departure. Burton justifies his decision by stating that he has always tried to live a righteous life and that leaving is the right thing to do. Joseph acknowledges Burton’s reasons and wishes him well. The family watches as Burton leaves, feeling a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future. Joseph feels responsible for Burton’s departure, believing it was because of a disagreement they had about a tree. Joseph becomes concerned about the health of the tree and feels a sense of foreboding about the land. Joseph goes to town and feels a sense of unease and a longing for rain to revive the dry river. Joseph returns home and inspects the tree, discovering that it has been girdled by Burton. Joseph realizes that Burton was unsure about his decision and will suffer the consequences of his actions. Joseph decides not to take any action against Burton, believing that he will punish himself. Joseph feels a deep sense of sorrow and loneliness, and he looks to the pine grove for solace and strength.
Chapter 21- The chapter describes the approaching winter in the valley, with Elizabeth feeling the sadness of the season. Joseph, however, is worried about the lack of rain, as the dry years seem to be upon them. The fear of drought grows as the days pass without rain, and the dry conditions affect the health of the people on the ranch. Elizabeth tries to distract Joseph with tasks, but his worry continues to grow.
Elizabeth reminisces about her past and tries to connect with Joseph, sharing stories from her childhood. She also recalls a strange experience at a rock in the pines, where she felt a deep connection but also sensed something evil. Despite Joseph’s concern, she wants to return to confront her fear and put it to rest.
Joseph, although hiding his own concerns from Elizabeth, agrees to accompany her to the pines. He prepares for the trip eagerly, showing care for Elizabeth’s well-being. Joseph tends to the horses before their journey, still grappling with his worries about the future and the changing landscape around them.
Joseph and Elizabeth prepare for a horseback ride, reminiscing about the past and discussing the possibility of rain. They ride to a peak where they can see the ocean, and Elizabeth expresses homesickness for the sound of the waves. They have lunch and continue their journey to a pine grove, where a hawk catches a rabbit. Elizabeth climbs a mossy rock and falls, fatally injuring herself. Joseph is left in shock, realizing the suddenness and finality of her death. As rain begins to fall, he mourns the lost opportunity for communication with Elizabeth.
The chapter also describes Joseph’s emotional journey after the death of Elizabeth. He is depicted sitting by her body in a glade, reluctant to move, feeling a deep connection to the surroundings. Despite the rain and his fatigue, he carries her body, showing his love and struggle. Thomas, a friend, intervenes and takes over, urging Joseph to leave and take care of himself. Joseph then embarks on a reflective walk, encountering nature and its harsh realities, like the lion killing a wild pig. He contemplates life, death, and the connection to the land, realizing the profound truth in creating graves to make a place one’s own. Joseph’s internal monologue reveals his deep thoughts on the process of dying and the lingering impact of a person’s existence. Joseph ponders the essence of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The chapter describes a mountain range with five smaller ranges and towns in the valleys. The brain of the world, located on a peak, cannot understand the life on its body. The brain knows that it could destroy everything with an earthquake but chooses to preserve the order. However, the earth eventually moves, causing destruction and change. Rama visits Joseph, who is grieving the loss of Elizabeth. Rama tries to comfort him and offers to take care of the baby. Joseph contemplates the recurring rhythm of life and death. Rama enters his bedroom and they engage in a passionate encounter. Afterwards, Rama expresses her desire to be a part of Joseph but ultimately leaves, stating that she wants nothing from him. Joseph falls asleep quickly.
To a God Unknown Chapter 22-26 Summary
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