[Haley Reading groups Fall 2020]
In chapters
twenty-one through twenty-four of American Spy, Wilkinson presents a few
notable scenes. For instance, in chapter twenty-three, Marie thought it
necessary to protect Thomas from Slater’s plot to kill him (Thomas). Marie
desperately wanted to prevent that plot.
“I’d failed to protect my sister from Slater’s corrosion, but I could still protect Thomas,” she says (243).
Marie later killed Slater in chapter twenty-four.
What scene stood out to you from chapters twenty-one through chapter twenty-four? Why?
48 comments:
I thought that the scene in chapter 22 was telling when Slater finally revealed that he was in the car with Helene during her accident. I also liked the scene where Marie called her father and heard more information about the interactions with Helene leading up to her death. I had my suspicions about Slater from the beginning, but after reading this, it was clear that he was a really shady and dangerous man.
The scene in chapter 23 where Marie, knowing how life threatening it could be, warned Thomas that they were plotting to kill him. This one stood out to me because she loves her children so dearly and is so protective of them so to risk her life did not seem to be in her character in my opinion.
It was also the fact that he, knowing Howard this was for her to do and knowing the possible outcomes for her, was still so nonchalant. True enough he already knew what she was telling her but I just feel like his response could have been different. though I feel his response did not fit at first, it was perfect to set the scene for the intimate moment they shared after.
One scene that stood out the most to me was Slater telling Marie that he was in the car with her sister when they had the car accident. This scene further increased my suspicion against Slater as I have a feeling he had something to do with Helene's death. I feel that he was lying about certain parts of the story of how the car crash came to be as he hesitated in telling some parts without showing sadness or real emotion, which makes me believe that he was holding back the truth. Slater has lied to Marie before, so I do not trust him at all. After he told her the story, she questioned what he could've done differently in the car to prevent Helene's death, which makes me believe that Marie may have suspicion of him too.
The scene that stood out to me most was in chapter 23 when Marie went to warn Thomas about Slater's plot to kill him. This scene stood out to me most because I expected a more emotional reaction from Thomas as the news Marie was telling him was important and life threatening, but instead Thomas just brushed it off and downplayed the news. Plus you could tell how emotional and important of a decision it was for Marie to make as she didn't want to make the same mistake she did when she lost her sister. It also really stood out to me because I could really understand Marie's frustration with Thomas' reaction as she literally put her life on the line to warn him all for him to end up not caring.
- Alexis S.
It stood out to me how in Chapter 22 Marie's father told her that he was in the car with her the night of Helene's accident. Marie was surprised that she was not aware of this and that her father kept this information from her, he also told her more chilling details of that night.
In chapter 24 the scene of Marie sneaking into Slater's compound and actually killing him stood out to me. Up until this point we really hadn't seen her take action against what she thought was wrong. We instead would see her disapprove of something but go along with it anyway, which is essentially how she got in this position in the first place. I was glad to see her in the action, but it kind of seemed pointless in that Thomas died anyway.
-Linda H.
It was hard for me to decide which chapter stood out the most; however, I would have to say that chapter 23 stood out. I knew Thomas knew that Marie was a spy, but I didn't expect him to Know that she was sent to kill him. I'm confused to why he would allow himself to get so close to her if he knew what she was assigned to do even if she didn't know right away. Then to go back to her hotel room despite everything was just odd to me.
Jacqueline Smith
The scene that stood out to me was in chapter 22 when Slater tells Marie that he was in the car with her sister at the time of the accident. This scene stood out to me because this was a turning point for Marie, her whole idea of her sisters death totally changed. This part in the story confirmed all of Maries suspicions. Slater was trying to use Marie for his own reasons and was probably using Helene at one point.
One of the scenes that stood out to me was the scene in chapter 23 where Marie rushes to Thomas to tell him about Ross and Slater's plan. I was surprised that she was willing to completely risk her life to save someone else. While Marie has mentioned her feelings toward Thomas, I did not realize how deep those feelings might be. Another scene that shocked me was in chapter 22 when Marie's father tells her how Daniel had previously treated him prior to Helene's death. From the first time the author introduced Slater, I had a bad feeling about him and his intentions, but this solidified that there is something more sinister about him than we were led to believe.
Jaydyn Zykan
The scene that stood out to me would have to be when it is revealed that she killed Slater. It was always built up the Marie was always that woman to stand her ground and always seemed focused on professionalism. Seeing her do this goes against that narrative because even though she shouldn't have killed Slater and interfered with the task, she ended up letting her feelings get in the way which isn't like the professional character we built her up to be. Either way I still feel like it also goes with her character since she was also built up to be this person that didn't allow what she didn't support morally, and killing Slater after finding out important information that goes against her morals definitely supports that attribute in her.
~ Brooke Harris
What stood out to me the most was the scene in Chapter 22 on page 245- 246. Marie is having a conversation where she finds out that she doesn't successfully kill Thomas, orders will be sent to kill her. This puts a lot at stake for Marie. She could choose to spare Thomas's life but at the expense of her own.
Madalynn M.
The scene that stood out to me the most was when Marie killed Slader in chapter 24. I knew that Slader was corrupt but I wasn’t quite sure if Marie would gather the strength to kill him. Not only did Marie kill Slader to protect Thomas, but I feel like Marie did it for her sister as well. This scene in my opinion shows how over protective Marie really is. I am interested to keep reading and to see how Slader’s death affects the rest of this book.
Danielle Hawthorne 11/12/20
The scene that stood out the most from these chapters is when Marie was speaking with her dad over the phone and revealed that her sister may have been manipulated and controlled by Slater. You can feel the hurt Marie felt because not only had she and her sister not been talking when she was killed, but her sister was not in a healthy relationship. Marie felt she had no control, yet somehow responsible. I think this highlights the importance of mending relationships that are meaningful to us while we can. Regret is a heavier burden than forgiveness.
Teighlor Traywick
The scene that stood out to me was when Marie shot Slater in Chapter 24. I didn't think she had it in her honestly. It seemed to be against her character as portrayed throughout the whole book, so this definitely was a turning point. However, I feel it sort of shows just how a person can bring the bad out of you if provoked enough.
Kenisha T.
One of the parts that stood out for me was that fact that Marie killed Slader in chapter 24. On one angle we can say that she is probably doing the the right thing because she is trying to protect Thomas since she could not do the same for her sister. However, Marie has a bold, courageous, principled characteristics painted on her among others. Could we also say that deep down she is broken? and a new trait about her is going to be reviled in the coming chapters?
-Elizabeth Kyande 11/13/20
Chapter 22 where Marie is told that if she doesn't kill Thomas, she will be killed stands out to me because she's now connected to him. Having even befriended him, and now her life is at stake because of him. I feel like the job has manipulated Marie so much, that now all of her cards are on the table and each step she takes brings her into deadlier and deadlier situations. Even then she doesn't care though and tells Thomas the plot which still confuses me, but it shows just what a good person she is.
Kaelyn Cupil
The entirety of chapter 24 stood out to me because it was so intriguing from start to finish. I knew Marie had been skeptical of Slater and his relationship with Helene, but I didn’t expect her to be the one to kill him. I was glad to see Marie do something she knew was right and knew would protect Thomas.
- Adejoke Adanri
The scene that stood out to me the most after reading chapters 21 through 24, was hard to pick. There ere multiple scenes that I were surprised by. However the scene that took the prize was in chapter 23. When Marie decides to tell Thomas about the whole mission and how they were scheming to kill him. I was really surprised by how well he took the message and how unsurprised he was from it. Also seeing Marie and how she was willing to jeopardize the mission for someone she cares/believes in really showed her disposition.
Nia M.
In chapter twenty-two, a few notable scenes were when Slater told Marie that he was in the car with Helene in the accident and when Marie hears her father's part of the story. These scenes stood out to me because Marie has heard finally heard the details surrounding Helene's death. It's always interesting to see a character's perspective from their childhood and compare it to what was going on at the time because children are not given all the details.
-Aleeya B.
The event that stood out the most to me was when Marie killed Slater in chapter 24. I’m surprised she built up the strength to kill him. It surprised me because it is not how I perceived her character. I guess it was bound to happen, just a matter of when. Can’t wait to see the effect of his death.
-Kayla P.
The scene that stuck out and surprised me the most was in chapter 24 when she actually killed Slater. It was so surprising because it was more of an adrenaline rush the way the authors described it and this is the first time she was in action and had to kill somebody. I felt like she killed Slater for the right reasons especially knowing that Slater was in the car with Marie's sister the night she died.
The scene that stood out the most to me would be in Chapter 24. I kind of had a feeling that before this book was over Marie would do something to Slater. I had no idea that she would actually kill but that was surprising moment for me. I think I like this book so much because in each chapter theirs a new twist that is somewhat very unexpected. -Alleson H.
The part that stood out to be was the entirety of chapter 24. The way that the chapter was written had me so invested. This stood out to me because I could not believe that she would actually do it. Another part that I also found interesting was how in chapter 23, Slater said to Marie: "...with a little grooming, you could be an excellent assassin" (page 237). As soon as it was revealed that Marie killed Slater, I thought back to that quote and saw how it tied together that he said that to her and then she killed him.
Kelsey McNeil
The scene that stood out to me the most was when Marie's father described how before Helene's accident, she was being very distant towards her family and it seemed that Slater was manipulating her into being distant. I thought this scene put things into perspective of just how long Slater and Ross have been manipulating Marie and her family in order to use them for some personal gain.
The scene that stood out to me the most was when Marie shot and killed Slater in chapter 24. I was a little surprised that she went through with such an act because I consider Marie to be one to walk away from certain situations that take her out of character. But, considering his corrosive behavior from her sister's death to him constantly mistreating Marie, I am not that shocked that she went through with it because she was probably fed up and tired of his distasteful character.
Nijay S
The scene that stood out to me happened in chapter 24 when Marie ended up killing Slater. This stood out to me because, although I know her to be a very strong woman, I did not think she had the guts to kill him. Just from reading each chapter, it did not seem like she would do something like that because of the way her character was portrayed.
Alexis H.
Chapter 23, when Marie was going through how Ross was manipulating her stood out the most to me. Marie finally started to do some self assessment and finding answers to one of the biggest things that kept her up, who she was. She saw that because she was lost people took advantage of her, which is something that was compared to what the Women at the shelter went through. It was a moment of self realization for Marie, yet she still made decisions based on impulse. She tried to be careful in everything she did, but it was obvious that she was always on edge.
In chapter 23 p.250
"I don't see how he can betray you for the sake of greed"
"it's not just about greed, it's about ideology"
"For ideas? that's even worse"
"I don't agree. Blaise is a soldier and a soldier without ideology is a criminal".
This conversation mesmerized me. It is a powerful statement that applies not only in this novel, but also in our daily lives, not only on soldiers, but on us as well. A lawyer without ideology/principles is a criminal, a accountant, a social worker or a financial advisor without ideology are all criminals.
I could not agree more with this extrait.
-Geonel M.
I think the most prominent scene to me, from the chapters of twenty-one to twenty-four, had to be in chapter 24, when Marie finally worked up the strength to kill Slater. Morally, it was initially unlike Marie to do something like this. Therefore, to me, this is when the novel, and Marie's character, and even her life takes a pivotal shift to me. I feel like her finally being able to kill him is symbolic and represents so many different things, her gaining her own individual power back and gaining control over herself, her feeling like she protected Thomas, and even gaining closure of how things ended with her and her sister. I think Marie killing Slater, will lead to so many significant changes for Marie, and her being able to do it was probably motivated by her feeling of regret of possibly not being able to protect her sister from him when she could’ve. I’m looking forward to really seeing how this occurrence will change Marie and affect her going forward.
Chapter 24 was very interesting and suspenseful to me. Marie killing Slater felt like a very big moment as she took action against something that she did not morally support. I wasn’t sure that Marie would be able to successfully kill him as this is not like her but she gathered the strength for her sister and Thomas. I’m interested to see if Slater‘s death will have consequences that fall back on Marie.
The fact that Mary put her life at risk, knowing all she has to live for and that she still has to be there for her kids, in order to warn thomas just further highlights her character. I was glad she put an end to slander as I’m still suspicious about his involvement with Mary’s sisters death, but I’m scared by the repercussions Mary might face from this decision.
The scene that stood out to me the most from chapter 21-24 was when Marie killed Slater. I knew that he had some type of karma coming his way for everything he'd done so far in the book. But it was still interesting to see that Marie ended up being the one to facilitate that karma. I was proud of her and a little worried at the same time.
Chaianna Curry 11/13/20
In chapter 24 the scene that stood out to me was when she was in the woods going to handle what she had planned out, but I also noticed once she heard the voices from the kids and quickly put the gun away it was something in her that made her think as to why does she have this weapon out anyway. From the beginning Of the chapter I felt like Marie was being very hesitant, by the constant creeping and second guessing it really did seem that way being even shooting the gun.
Courteona Combs 11/15/20
The scene that stood out to me the most was when Thomas went back to the house with Marie, despite knowing she was a spy. I was also surprised to find out that Thomas knew that Marie had been sent to kill him. And he said that he’d rather it be silently than by a firing squad. It makes me wonder about the true extent to which his feelings for Marie go. They’ve finally slept together, but how much is Thomas holding back? -Breanna J 11/15/20
One aspect of the reading that stood out to me occurred in chapter 23, when Slater was plotting to kill Thomas. When Marie learned of this, she immediately went to go warn Thomas. The scene especially stood out to me as Thomas acted like it was not a big deal that his life was being threatened. I felt for Marie as she basically put her own life on the line to try and help to save Thomas. This chapter seemed to be very emotional for Marie as this decision to tell Thomas had a strong emotional toll upon her.
Gabrielle Wimes
It is hard to pick just one scene that really stands out. The first one that felt unsettling is when Slater is driving Marie to essentially the middle of nowhere and explains how he was with Helene in the car when she died. His explanation felt very suspicious to me and I think there's more to it. This feeling is reinforced in a later scene when Marie is on the phone with her father. Pop explains that he went after Helene and found she was being practically controlled by Slater. That is certainly not sitting right with me. Finally, the last scene that has stuck with me is when Marie killed Slater. I knew it was coming but also didn't think Marie had it in her.
- Alayna M.
The scene that stood out the most to me in chapter twenty-one through twenty-four is when Marie kills Slater in chapter twenty-four. It was shocking to me because it was the first time that I felt I saw Marie taking a large step or action against something she believed to be wrong. It showed how protective she is because she did it for Thomas.
Fatima Bashir
The scene when Marie killed Slater stood out the most to me. Even though I saw it coming, I still though it was one of the most powerful scenes in the book so far. It shows you the dedication and loyalty she has to her family and those that are closest to her. Also, I liked the car ride Marie had with Helens father. It was nice to hear another perspective on the story.
-Carah F.
What stood out to me the most was Nicole being threatening to Marie about Daniel. I wasn’t too surprised in the end when she was sleeping with him. Dan acting like Marie and him are friends was also interesting. I thought it was weird how close and personal he was being toward her.
Helene didn’t seem like a woman that could be controlled in a relationship. Marie presented her as a strong and independent woman so I don’t see why she would be mad that Marie didn’t like him. I’m interested to see what really happened during the accident.
There are multiple scenes that stand out for me. One scene that stood out to me was when Slater reveled that he was there when her sister died. I did not expect it. Then the phone call with her further increased my curiosity because she did not remember Slater being hurt at the funeral for him to have been in the car accident as well. Also, the fact that her dad pointed out that he seemed to be preventing her from seeing family and friends. The final one that stood out to me was the fact that she switched sides. I kind of figured she would but I wasn’t sure exactly how.
-Jayla Pierce 11/16/20
Daeja J Daniels said...
So far what stood out to me the most was when Marie informed Thomas that there was a plan to kill him. This was a very interesting and stood out to me because of his reaction as well as the fact that she told him. This was some news that I expected him to react to differently than he did.
November 16, 2020 at 5:23 PM
The scene I highlighted was Slater revealing that he was present with Helen at the time of the accident. It just astounded me about how little Marie knew about her death and how much would soon be unvealed to her, as well as how it comes to light that Marie's family was and is being manipulated.
Ilysa Walker
The scene that stood out to me in these chapters occurred in chapter 22, when Marie found out that Slater was in the car with Helene. The entire car ride, Marie was on edge just from being there with Slater, whom she obviously cannot trust. This fact alone makes it very suspicious that he just so happened to be with Helene when she died. What further stood out to me was the conversation that Marie had with her dad after being with Slater. Right before Helene's death, she was being distant with the people who were closest to, and Slater was the cause. Hearing this information only made me more suspicious of Slater and his actions.
Mackenzie Cohoon 11/18/20
When Marie killed Slater I was shocked. I did not think she had it in her. I guess I understand how Marie feels and why she ended up killing him. it was her family member that died and he was there when she did. This event of course stood out the most to me.
Damaiya Lasenby 11/23/20
The chapter that stood out the most to me was 24. It was only three pages long, very short and to the point but it was a huge plot point. Marie killed Slater and yet this chapter was extremely short.
Marie went about getting ready for the murder as calm as ever. The book mentioned a moment of calming down her heart rate but besides that she was extremely calm and the chapter overall seems anticlimactic. -Deja Lane
I think Slader had a part in Helene’s death or maybe the accident was not an accident at all. It seems that Slater and Ross are truly not good people and having been using Marie and her family for their own purposes.
Breann Walton 11/29/20
The scene that surprised me the most was from chapter 3. I was startled to see Marie going to Thomas as intel similar to what her snitches would do. This climatic point is to, i can infer, point out what allowing yourself to feel or be in love can do to your reputation as a spy. Similar to her sister according to her own ideology at the time, she went against her values and practices risking it all for someone she loved and cared about.
-Victoria Richardson
I think a very important scene from this area was Marie’s talk on the phone with her father. Feeling overwhelmed, she reached out to her father and gained much more information about her sister Helene. Clearly throughout the story Marie has been battling with guilt from her sister’s death, everything she does today is in memory of Helene. Finding out this new information was major for her and her thoughts on her family, especially her father. Even when she is emotional, she remembers where she is and how important everything she does is. At the end she tells her father to get his phone fixed because she is in fear Ross is listening in. It is an everyday struggle Marie faces trying to divide her family life and her work life.
Vanessa Hovey 12/2/20
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