The Vanishing Half Chapter Summaries

Alex Anderson Mr. Caswell 12 April 2024 Language and Literature (H) Fake Vs True Identities Life offers many important decisions regarding identity. The decision to transform a life is often overlooked and neglected by many. In The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, several characters alter themselves through physical or physiological manipulation. The story follows various characters, all of whom are rooted in Stella and Desiree’s abandonment of their hometown, Mallard, Louisiana. The fictional narrative unfolds in the late 20th century, a period of American history distinguished by its pervasive and entrenched racism. Mallard was a small, concealed community comprised of African Americans, with aspirations to embody an ideal light tone as their

In a conversation with Desiree, Stella says, “That I lied to her,” Stella said. She’ll never forgive me. You don’t understand Desiree. You’re a good mother, I can see that. Your girl loves you. That’s why she didn’t tell you about me. But I haven’t been a good one. I spent so long hiding” (Bennett 322). Even Stella, the person responsible for these choices, understands how it has negatively impacted her. She had been so concerned with concealing her identity that the relationship with her daughter became severely unhealthy. Of course, this problem transpired because of Stella’s prevaricated attitude towards her. Conversely, Reese’s decision to portray his real identity to himself and others has improved his life positively. At the end of the book, Reese and Jude remained together, their bond reinforced by mutual love, trust, and respect for each other. Additionally, Reese is fully accepting of his authentic identity as a male. In the final moments of the novel, during Adele Vigne’s funeral, Reese and Jude escape the ceremony chasing the River. In the text Bennett writes, “The Sun warmed his chest, still paler than the rest of him. In time, his scars faded, his skin