116 pages 3 hours read

Margaret Atwood

The Testaments

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Part 16Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 16: “PEARL GIRLS”

Chapter 42 Summary: “Transcript of Witness Testimony 369B”

Daisy, now called Jade, begins her life on the street. She has dressed in castoff clothing, and her hair looks like she has been sleeping outdoors. Daisy has developed a crush on Garth.

Daisy and Garth panhandle outside a bank, which is along the Pearl Girls’ regular route. Two Pearl Girls come up and smile at Daisy, asking her name and telling her that there are no homeless in Gilead. Garth grabs Daisy’s arm and tells the Pearl Girls to leave her alone. The Pearl Girls persist and tell Daisy they can help her. Garth savagely swears at them. Despite knowing their sincerity is false, The Pearl Girls’ kindness touches Daisy. The Pearl Girls hand Daisy a brochure as Garth runs them off; he doesn’t want them to appear too eager. 

Chapter 43 Summary

Daisy and Garth spend the night under a bridge. George is also there, though he pretends not to know them. Garth has cautioned Daisy not to speak to anyone who might be a Gilead plant. Garth wraps his arm around her as they sleep, since he is pretending to be her boyfriend.

Daisy and Garth sleep in a church next, which is covered in needles and trash.