The Door

Magda considers Emerence’s “private mythology.” Many people know a small part of her history, but no one seems to know the full story. Everyone trusts her, Magda writes, but she doesn’t trust anyone. Thus, Magda knows that at least some vital information about Emerence’s life will die with her. One Palm Sunday, Emerence seems to want to engage with her. Enraged by Emerence’s apparent ownership of Viola, Magda confronts Emerence. When Viola reacts badly, however, Magda knows that Emerence is punishing her. She visits Emerence, who sits Magda down with strudel and informs her that she’ll be included in Emerence’s will. Emerence explains that Józsi’s boy is set to inherit her savings (which are considerable), though some will be set aside to build a lavish crypt for her entire family. Meanwhile, Magda will inherit all of Emerence’s possessions.

This sudden attention to her will is motivated by the death of the son of a prominent politician, whom Magda refers to as the lawyer. Emerence was in love with the lawyer’s son, but he rejected her, even though she sheltered him during a time of political upheaval. She had been “as good as dead” (173) to him for some time, but the public mourning increases her awareness of death.