Middlesex Summary
Description
Here you will find a Middlesex summary (Jeffrey Eugenides's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Middlesex Summary Overview
In the bustling heart of Berlin resides an intersex individual named Cal Stephanides, who embarks on a journey of self-exploration by penning down his life story. His tale commences with his grandparents, Lefty and Desdemona, who, in love and orphaned, emigrate from their small hamlet on Mount Olympus to the industrial city of Detroit. They manage to escape a horrific fire in Smyrna and journey to America with the pretense of being strangers, only to marry on their arrival. Settling with their cousin Sourmelina and her husband, Jimmy Zizmo, they face challenges and suspicions, especially when Lefty is dragged into Zizmo’s illicit liquor trade. Lefty and Desdemona’s progeny, Milton, harbors a deep affection for Tessie, Zizmo and Sourmelina’s daughter, ultimately leading to their marriage and the birth of their first child, Chapter Eleven. Yearning for a daughter, they conceive Calliope, who eventually grows up to become Cal. Post his Navy retirement, Milton inherits Lefty's bar and converts it into a diner, which is unfortunately destroyed during the Twelfth Street Riot of 1967. Nevertheless, the three insurance policies on the establishment provide them with enough finances to relocate to the well-to-do suburb of Grosse Pointe. As a young girl, Callie is characterized by striking beauty and a yearning to fit in with her new neighbors. However, she grapples with issues relating to her physical development during her adolescence, further complicated by an intimate relationship with a classmate. After an altercation and a subsequent accident, it is revealed at the hospital that Callie is biologically male. This revelation leads her to a specialist in New York, Dr. Luce, who argues that gender is a societal construct. Upon discovering that a proposed surgery could rob her of sexual sensation, Callie identifies herself as Cal and flees to San Francisco. Here, he meets Zora, another intersex person, who reassures him of his uniqueness. An unfortunate incident leading to Milton’s death compels Cal to return home. He learns of his family's incestuous past and resolves to lead a fulfilling life in spite of the complexities of his existence. In his later years, Cal finds love with a woman named Julie Kikuchi in Berlin.
chapter 1
The story is narrated by Cal Stephanides, who is born female in 1960 Detroit but undergoes a gender transition to male in his teenage years due to a genetic condition. At 41, he embarks on a journey to understand his family's history which led to his inherited gene. Prior to Cal's birth, his grandmother Desdemona asks his brother, Chapter Eleven, to fetch her silkworm box, housing a silver spoon she uses to predict the gender of unborn babies in the family. The spoon indicates Cal will be male, but Milton, Cal's father, contends that science dictates Cal will be female. Cal recounts the story of his conception. His parents Milton and Tessie desired a daughter. Cal’s Uncle Pete, viewed as the family's scientific expert due to his career as a chiropractor and subscription to Scientific American, advises them to have intercourse 24 hours prior to ovulation to increase their chances. Tessie, however, opposes a clinical approach to conception, believing that an embryo can sense the love during its creation. Her disagreement with Milton over the use of a special thermometer to predict ovulation results in them not sleeping together. The following Sunday, Tessie assists a young girl who spills coffee on herself in church, which rekindles her desire for a daughter. Later, on Greek Orthodox Easter, Tessie informs Milton that her temperature has risen, indicating ovulation, and Cal is conceived. Milton steadfastly asserts Cal's female sex, despite Desdemona’s spoon prediction. Tessie assures Milton she will love the baby regardless of its gender, but Milton is adamant the baby will be a girl. Upon Cal's birth as a girl, Milton is triumphant, while Desdemona, disillusioned by the failure of the Greek tradition to accurately predict the gender, removes the spoon from her silkworm box.
chapter 2
Cal's unique biological situation makes him a subject of interest for doctors. He envisions going back in time to his Greek grandparents, Desdemona and Lefty. On a mountain above Bursa in 1922, Desdemona discovers the unpredictability of her heart while tending to her silkworms, an occupation inherited from her late mother. Her brother Lefty, once her beloved companion, now frequents bars and sings jazz, which fuels her concern. Desdemona is worried about their growing distance and recalls a maternal promise to find Lefty a suitable wife. Lefty's intentions to sell cocoons in Bursa are met with suspicion, and Desdemona accuses him of visiting brothels. In his absence, she contemplates their family's worry beads and concocts a plan to matchmake Lefty. Following a visit to the market, Lefty spends time with a prostitute who resembles Desdemona, prompting him to consider marrying a local girl. Meanwhile, Desdemona uses a found lingerie magazine as a guide to impart beauty lessons to potential brides, Lucille and Victoria. Lefty pretends to be interested but is repulsed by their attempts to mimic the magazine poses. Amidst these confusions, Cal reflects on the complex relationship between love and biology, and how genetics often dictate our lives. Upon returning home, Lefty proposes marriage to Desdemona, stating that their being third cousins alongside being siblings makes the proposition legitimate. Although initially resistant, Desdemona gives in when Lefty dances with her. Concurrently, the Greek army is seen retreating from the Turks.
chapter 3
Cal, currently residing in Berlin, Germany and employed by the American Foreign Service, shares a fleeting connection with an Asian woman during his commute. Despite living as a man, traces of his past life as Calliope occasionally surface in his mannerisms. In the past, following the victory of Turks over Greeks, Lefty proposes that he and Desdemona relocate to America to join their cousin Sourmelina. The pair set out to find passage in Smyrna, taking with them a silkworm box and eggs as a potential source of income. Despite the looming threat of the Turks, Greek and Armenian citizens of Smyrna are reassured by the presence of French and British warships in the harbor. Dr. Philobosian, an Armenian man, is confident that a letter from a high-ranking Turkish official he once treated will safeguard his family. He further demonstrates his charitable nature by treating a wounded Greek refugee, Lefty, and offering him money when he is unable to pay. Lefty uses the funds to procure food for Desdemona. His feelings for her are no longer hidden and Desdemona fluctuates between happiness and guilt. However, their secret remains safe as no one in Smyrna is aware of their familial connection. The assault on the city begins when the Greek fleet abandons Smyrna to its fate, allowing Turkish forces to set fire to the city. Amidst the chaos, Dr. Philobosian leaves his family to assist an injured neighbor, but returns to find his family has been killed by Turkish soldiers. The British ship crew, ordered not to intervene, observe the chaos from afar. The captain retires to his bunk, subtly hinting that he'll overlook any unauthorized rescues. Lefty and Desdemona, roused from sleep by the fire, witness the French consulate evacuating its citizens. Out of desperation, Lefty proposes marriage to Desdemona who agrees. He manages to convince the French Consulate that they are French citizens and should be allowed passage. Recognizing Dr. Philobosian, Lefty also secures safe passage for the man who once helped him.
chapter 4
While aboard the America-bound ship, the Giulia, Desdemona, Lefty, and Dr. Philobosian masquerade as strangers. Lefty and Desdemona not only fool the other passengers with their fake courtship but also delude themselves. Lefty's mysterious past fuels speculation among the passengers. Lefty asks Desdemona to marry him, and they wed on the ship, observing traditional Greek wedding customs. Cal notes the symbolism of the circular dance, signifying the importance of finding novelty in repetition and returning to the beginning. Desdemona, in her wedding corset, feels distanced from her real identity, making it easier for her and Lefty to forget their familial links. Their physical interaction reflects this bid for self-alienation. Cal reflects on the significance of their union, which carries his genetic lineage. Lefty hopes their cousin Sourmelina’s spouse can provide him with employment, with an eventual goal of owning a casino. Desdemona brings up her silkworms and the academic aspirations their parents had for Lefty. As they near New York, the passengers strategize on how to sidestep immigration rules at Ellis Island. Desdemona and Lefty's good health and literacy afford them no apparent grounds for rejection. Desdemona frets over what to convey to Sourmelina back in the lifeboat. Lefty comforts her, assuring her that Sourmelina will support their alibi. They wake up to the captain pointing towards the Statue of Liberty. The sight of yet another torch irritates Lefty, but Desdemona feels inspired by the woman holding the torch.
chapter 5
The chapter commences with a Calvin Coolidge quote that equates the construction of a factory to erecting a temple. After their journey from New York, Lefty and Desdemona arrive in Detroit. Their companion, Dr. Philobosian, fell ill during the journey and failed the inspection. Desdemona is upset over not being allowed to bring her silkworm eggs to America. They are welcomed at the station by Sourmelina who has transformed herself into a modern American woman, with attire to match. Her parents had arranged an American marriage for her after a scandalous incident involving another woman. Now she too has a secret, and she is quite willing to hide Lefty and Desdemona's as well. Their new life begins in the home of Sourmelina and her oblivious husband, Jimmy Zizmo. Jimmy, unaware of his wife's nature, is traditional in his division of household roles and spaces. He promises to assist Lefty with employment at Ford Motors through his links with the personnel manager. Their discussion with the manager goes well, and Lefty secures a job. Lefty joins the assembly line at the factory, following which he goes to the English school run by the factory. Here, he learns about cleanliness and productivity. However, when Lefty attempts to improve his efficiency, his colleagues thwart him, explaining that everyone else would be affected if he worked too fast. Later, Lefty asks Desdemona to create a traditional Greek costume for him for the English School’s graduation. On a particular Wednesday, Ford Sociological Department inspectors visit to ensure that Lefty is living according to their definition of American values. They are displeased by several things, including Lefty's rented accommodation and his garlic-rich diet. Zizmo is offended by their instructions and warnings about Lefty's family. The graduation ceremony features the participants in traditional attire, marching towards a large cauldron labeled “Ford English School Melting Pot.” Upon reaching the cauldron, they switch into blue or gray suits. Lefty successfully finishes his final test, but unfavorable information about Zizmo's criminal record puts his job in jeopardy. The Sociological Department frowns upon such connections, leading to Lefty losing his job post-graduation. Amidst this, Lefty learns about Sourmelina and Desdemona's pregnancies.
chapter 6
Cal admits he is infertile and this makes him shy away from marriage and sexual relationships. He is uncomfortable with his intersex body and feels he won't find love. He runs into Julie Kikuchi, the attractive cyclist, again and they plan to go on a date. Before Lefty graduates, he buys tickets for them and their partners to see a risqué play called The Minotaur. Desdemona is shocked by the lewdness and leaves at halftime. Despite this, the play stirs them and both couples end up conceiving that night. Both Desdemona and Sourmelina are nauseous during their pregnancies and reject their husbands. They find solace in music while their husbands, Zizmo and Lefty, spend time at Greek cafés. On one occasion, Zizmo brings Lefty along on a run to pick up illegal whiskey from Belle Isle. Lefty is scared but Zizmo reminds him he must find work now that he's expecting a child. During the third trimester, Dr. Philobosian appears at their house. He managed to avoid being deported back to Greece thanks to his medical license. During dinner, he astounds them by expressing how remarkable it is that both women fell pregnant on the same night. He also mentions the old beliefs about birth defects caused by marrying within families which terrifies Desdemona and makes Zizmo doubt the parentage of Sourmelina's child. Desdemona uses a spoon-reading technique to predict that Sourmelina will have a girl, much to her delight. A closet is converted into a nursery and Desdemona prays for her child to be free of birth defects, promising not to have any more children. When Sourmelina's baby girl is born lighter-skinned than Zizmo, he suspects infidelity. On their next whiskey run, Zizmo confronts Lefty, accusing him of sleeping with Sourmelina and drives recklessly on the ice, which leads Lefty to jump out of the car just before it plunges into the icy water. Cal remembers a childhood movie about Greek myths, especially the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. He always cheered for the hero Theseus, never considering that the Minotaur was a victim, born a monster due to his parents' mistakes. At the same time, Dr. Philobosian helps Desdemona deliver her son, Milton, at the hospital. On that day, Sourmelina's daughter, Tessie, is finally healthy enough to leave the hospital. Lefty makes it back in time to welcome his son after his narrow escape from the frozen lake. Both newborns unknowingly carry a hidden mutation.
chapter 7
While the police fail to locate Zizmo's remains, his family is granted special permission by the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Chicago to conduct an Orthodox funeral. Sourmelina's deep grief at the funeral is evident, as she shows more devotion towards her late husband than she did when he was alive. After the forty-day mourning period, she surprises everyone by wearing an orange dress, rather than the traditional black. Sourmelina advises Desdemona to practice celibacy to avoid pregnancy, leading her to deny Lefty of marital relations. This causes a rift, and Lefty reinstates separation of sexes within their home. Struggling to find employment due to lack of qualifications, Lefty eventually starts a popular speakeasy, The Zebra Room, in the basement. It's not the casino he once aspired to run, but he finds satisfaction in his work. Desdemona often resists Lefty's sexual advances but sometimes succumbs due to her own desires. She becomes pregnant and gives birth to a healthy daughter named Zoë. The house feels overcrowded, so Sourmelina and Theodora relocate to a nearby boarding house. The onslaught of The Great Depression results in the loss of many customers for Lefty. Feeling disconnected from his family, he insists Desdemona find a job. She responds to a classified ad for a silk worker and ends up in Detroit's Black neighborhood. There, she encounters Sister Wanda who placed the ad at a temple. Although initially hesitant to hire a white person due to Minister Fard's teachings of self-reliance, Sister Wanda hires Desdemona after learning of her Turkish birth, implying mixed-race heritage. The temple happens to be the hub of The Nation of Islam, a Black liberation movement initiated by Minister Fard, a figure with an enigmatic past. Sister Wanda instructs Desdemona to restrict herself to the women's quarters and avoid the main temple. The women here are in the business of selling silk garments, but depletion of silk and dying silkworms have posed an issue. Fard suggests they cultivate their own silk, prompting Desdemona to start her teachings with her mother’s maxim: "To raise silk, one must be pure”.
chapter 8
Desdemona relishes her work at the temple due to its familiarity, having grown up under Turkish occupation. Her African American peers find it a place of reverse discrimination. Desdemona is intrigued by Fard, the unseen but widely discussed leader. She supervises the transformation of an outhouse into a cocoonery, imparting silk-weaving skills to the girls. Much of her time is spent in the silk room. Fard's sermon, overheard through a heating grate, piques Desdemona's interest. She finds herself captivated by his claim that a scientist named Yacub created all races, including white people, through malicious acts. Initially upset at the demonizing of whites, Desdemona eventually labels Fard a charlatan. Nonetheless, Desdemona continues to listen to Fard's lectures, her guilt over her incestuous relationship deepening. She ponders the possibility of their children having birth defects and expresses regret over their actions. Fard's assertion that white people used tricknology to bring Blacks to America and sever their noble heritage resonates with her. She even questions whether she might be a devil due to her brown eyes. On the other hand, Lefty's business has diversified to include providing models for a risqué photographer. Events take a turn when a murder suspect blames his actions on the Nation of Islam, leading to Fard's arrest. Although the charges are dropped on the condition Fard leaves Detroit, the temple's leadership changes and the silk program is terminated. Upon exiting the building for the last time, Desdemona goes through the front door and encounters Fard, who she recognizes as Jimmy Zizmo. He berates her, revealing his awareness of the wickedness in Desdemona's house. Finally, Desdemona undergoes a medical procedure to prevent future pregnancies.
chapter 9
Cal enjoys a date with Julie over dinner. He appreciates her company, despite his anxiety about discussing past relationships. His concern is short-lived as Julie only shares one anecdote about her ex and doesn't bring up the topic again. Cal finds himself attracted to her, yet he's unsure how to move forward. In a flashback, post the lifting of prohibition, Lefty transforms the Zebra Room into a popular downtown bar and grill. On an afternoon in 1944, Tessie Zizmo is seen entertained by a song played by Milton, a now college-going lad, from across the courtyard. Meanwhile, in the living room, Desdemona discusses Milton's fortunate exemption from military recruitment due to his flat feet with a Greek couple and their daughter, Gaia. Desdemona, who is worried due to Milton's noticeable interest in Tessie, tries to encourage a relationship between Milton and Gaia. However, when presented with a cookie baked by Gaia, Milton openly expresses his dislike. Although Milton doesn't possess the conventional charm, he compensates it with self-assuredness. Tessie, on the other hand, embodies quintessential American attractiveness. Her mother's flamboyance and propensity for drama mold her into a more reserved and courteous individual. Their relationship evolves as Tessie requests Milton to play tunes on his clarinet, with the instrument grazing various parts of her body. This adds to the mounting sexual tension between them over several weeks. In an attempt to divert Tessie's attention, Desdemona introduces her to Michael Antoniou, a seminary student. During Sunday meals, the intellectual differences between Milton and Michael are evident. While Tessie perceives Michael as pure and innocent, she begins to resist Milton's advances. Upon Michael's proposal, Tessie agrees to marry him. A frustrated Milton enlists in the Navy, despite his inability to swim, as reminded by Lefty.
chapter 10
Cal reaches out to Julie for another date three days after their first meet-up. Upon his arrival at her art studio, they share a kiss after he admires her industrial-themed photography. Milton finds himself lost in the new environment of a San Diego naval base. He considers his fellow American peers as dimwitted. One night, he discovers a test that could potentially exempt him from drills. Back at the seminary, Michael communicates with Tessie through letters. Tessie fills her time with cinema trips, hoping to spot Milton in newsreels and feeling remorseful because she believes she's the reason he joined the Navy. Michael questions Tessie's movie visits during the wartime, leading Tessie to falsely portray herself as a benevolent soon-to-be wife who helps the Red Cross in her responses. Milton sends poorly written Greek letters to Desdemona, which despite censoring, reveal his emotional distress. He passes a test for the Naval Officer Academy, providing him relief from training. Desdemona prays to St. Christopher for Milton's safety, vowing to repay the saint by dedicating him to a church repair. Milton gets reassigned as a signalman, a role with an unfortunate short life expectancy. Tessie spots a Milton lookalike sailor in a newsreel and comes to terms with her true feelings. She realizes her heart lies with Milton, not Michael, and resolves to break off her engagement. Desdemona and Lefty receive a reassuring letter from Milton, but they fear for his life in the imminent Japanese invasion. Tessie discloses her decision to marry Milton to a bedridden Desdemona, who gives her blessing in the belief that Milton won't survive the war. However, Milton gets invited to study in Annapolis thanks to his impressive exam performance. Considering it a miracle, Desdemona attributes this turn of events to St. Christopher. Milton and Tessie tie the knot, with Michael attending and sharing a dance with Zoë, albeit with lingering feelings for Tessie.
chapter 11
Dr. Philobosian had shared with the Stephanides family the archaic theory of Preformation, proposing that all human life existed in miniature form since the beginning. Cal visualizes himself and Chapter Eleven waiting on egg rafts, his gender fluctuating, until it’s their time to be born. Milton becomes a strict and precise Naval officer during the Korean War. In 1954, Chapter Eleven arrives. Desdemona dreams of a peaceful retirement in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Michael relentlessly courts Zoë until she marries him, not having found a better suitor. Milton exits the Navy in 1956, planning to open a restaurant business with the Zebra Room as the first location. The neighbourhood of Zebra Room unfortunately falls into poverty as Black people move in after the destruction of the Black Bottom ghetto, causing white residents to leave and property values to plummet. Milton sets out to transform the Zebra Room into a diner. Milton is puzzled by Lefty taking three insurance policies on the building, but Lefty justifies it by saying that he’s survived a fire before, and sometimes, insurance companies burn down as well. Their diner becomes a hit. Milton and Tessie purchase a property in the wealthy neighbourhood of Indian Village. Milton extends an open invitation for Lefty and Desdemona to move in with them. Lefty dislikes feeling redundant, so he starts to gamble daily in a covert casino. Unnoticed by Milton, Lefty begins dipping into the diner’s funds until he’s left with only thirteen dollars. Broke, Lefty and Desdemona are forced to live with Milton, only a year away from paying off their home loan. During Greek Orthodox Easter, while Chapter Eleven is engaged in an egg cracking game, Tessie signals Milton, and they go off to conceive Cal. Cal envisions the sperm carrying a mutation from the gods of biology, ready to unite with an egg carrying the same mutation. On the night of his birth, Cal, with a hint of foresight, sees Lefty collapsing due to a sudden pain in his head.
chapter 12
Cal, as a newborn, is mistakenly identified as a girl, Calliope, during his first medical examination by Dr. Philobosian, whose inattention leads to this error. At the same time, Desdemona discovers her husband, Lefty, unconscious on the kitchen floor. He survives but loses his ability to speak, resorting to writing on a chalkboard to communicate. Cal narrates these events, adding that his personal biases may influence his account. Julie Kikuchi's peculiar view of beauty, as something inherently freakish, resonates with Cal’s perception of his own unconventional appearance as a baby. Despite familial pressure, Milton only allows his daughter Callie to be baptized after Desdemona's persistent guilt-tripping. During the baptism, performed by Father Mike, Callie unexpectedly urinates in the priest's face, earning her father's approval and her grandmother's disapproval. Desdemona, however, becomes fond of her granddaughter over time, ultimately regarding her as a favorite. Cal recounts how his father, Milton, recorded family videos showcasing Callie’s upbringing. These videos later served as evidence of her feminization for Dr. Luce. However, Milton discontinues filming due to financial constraints and escalating racial tensions in their neighborhood. Callie occasionally accompanies Milton to their local diner, where she interacts with Marius, an African-American man advocating against racism. Despite Marius' assertions about Milton's fear of Black people, Callie remains skeptical until she observes her father's discomfort around them. When Milton catches Callie talking to Marius, he chastises them both.
chapter 13
Cal suggests a weekend trip to Pomerania with Julie, ensuring they stay in separate rooms in order to maintain the slow pace of their developing relationship. Overwhelmed with envy, Cal watches nudists on the beach, knowing he will never experience such bodily freedom. Meanwhile, Milton struggles to save his sinking restaurant business, realizing that its current value is far less than he invested. His unusual presence at home during the day and whispered Greek conversations clue Chapter Eleven and Callie into the fact something is amiss. In an effort to conserve, the family begins limiting their electricity use. In the summer of 1967, Detroit's economically disadvantaged Black community retaliates against police brutality, leading to days of civil unrest. When Milton receives a late-night call alerting him to the riots, he rushes to his diner, leaving his family to spend the next three days sheltered in their attic, witnessing the unfolding chaos on television. Desdemona compares the scene to the destruction of Smyrna, though she notes the rioters appear content. The intervention of the National Guard results in a shocking sight for Callie - a tank rolling down her residential street. Worried for her father's safety, she sneaks out to the city center. At the diner, Milton's regular customer, a Black man named Morrison, requests a cigarette while explaining the root cause of the riots. He points out, “The thing wrong with us is you,” a comment Milton never truly understands and later uses with derision. After receiving his cigarette, Morrison is fatally shot by National Guardsmen on his way home. Callie arrives at the diner, relieved to see it unscathed. However, her relief is short-lived as Marius hurls a Molotov cocktail at the establishment while shouting, “Opa!” Seeing his restaurant engulfed in flames, Milton remembers his insurance policies. Shocked to find Callie outside, he assures her everything will be alright, despite her tears over the burning restaurant.
chapter 14
The Stephanides' financial situation improves significantly due to an insurance payout. Milton tries to buy a house in the upscale Grosse Pointe area but is initially hindered by a system in place to keep non-white, non-Protestant individuals out. However, a realtor shows him an oddly designed house she's struggling to sell and he's able to buy it with cash, bypassing the system. Tessie isn't thrilled, but the family relocates to Middlesex Boulevard. The house's design is based on architectural theories rather than practicality. Doors are replaced by pneumatically operated barriers, a feature that Chapter Eleven uses to trick Callie. The stairs are a winding path around the house with random peepholes. Lefty and Desdemona move into the guesthouse, where Desdemona fears she will die. Lefty suffers another stroke but keeps it a secret. At seven, Callie befriends the eight-year-old neighbor, Clementine Stark. During a visit, they practice kissing, causing Callie's heart to flutter. Another day, they play in the bathhouse at Callie's property. When they see Lefty there unresponsive, they panic and call an ambulance. Blaming herself, Callie prays for forgiveness. Clementine's father has a heart attack the same night, leading to Clementine and her mother's departure. Lefty's health worsens as his memory deteriorates, causing him to live in the past. Desdemona has to play along, terrified of the day he'll forget they are married. Lefty eventually does start referring to her as his sister due to dementia, leading to family's confusion. Three months later, he suffers a final stroke and passes away. Cal reflects on his ability to relate to the grief of his family due to his understanding of both genders. While Milton suppresses his emotions, Tessie showers Chapter Eleven and Callie with love. Desdemona's emotions, however, remain unknown as she retreats to her bed and stays there for the next decade.
chapter 15
Desdemona is grief-stricken after Lefty's death and starts refusing to leave her bed. She tells Father Mike she feels her life is over now that her husband is no longer with her. Despite Father Mike's reassurance that this is a common grief response among widows, Desdemona remains in bed, asking Callie to pray for her death. Cal and Julie, during a getaway to Pomerania, discuss hypothetically settling down there. But Cal, fearing the expectation of sexual intimacy, grows distant and even stops taking Julie's calls. He is now, akin to Desdemona, without a clear vision for his future. Despite Desdemona's insistence that she is sick, Dr. Philobosian finds no indications of illness. Regardless, she begins to prepare for her imminent death, instructing Tessie to give away her clothes and asking Milton to ensure she's buried next to Lefty. Milton, on the other hand, is planning a new venture involving hot dog stands which later becomes the fast food chain Hercules Hot Dogs. They revolutionize their product by making the hot dogs flex when cooked. Callie, as a young girl, captures everyone's attention with her stunning beauty, an attention she finds unsettling. Yet, she enjoys admiring herself in the mirror. Chapter Eleven's maturing body introduces Callie to the word “puberty”, a concept she finds daunting as neither Dr. Philobosian nor Tessie adequately explain it to her. In 1972, witnessing another girl's first period at summer camp leaves Callie terrified of this phase of womanhood, to the point that she discards all her white clothes. Interestingly, a doctor theorizes that Desdemona's longevity is due to her Mediterranean diet. Convinced that the same diet is hindering her own maturity, Callie starts resisting her mother's Greek foods.
chapter 16
Due to a court order declaring Detroit's school system unlawfully segregated, students are now bused between affluent and poor neighborhoods. Milton sends Callie to an all-girls prep school in the suburbs, where she becomes a goalie for the Wolverettes, the school's field hockey team, in spite of her lack of athletic skill. She is often plagued by unexplained abdominal pain. After a loss caused by her slow reaction, Callie dreads the locker room and her classmates. The wealthy "Charm Bracelets," who have been at the school since kindergarten, terrify her. They are not very intellectual, which makes her feel superior, yet their wealth and status make her feel inferior. Callie also encounters the "Kilt Pins," average girls who blend into the background. She identifies most with the “ethnic” girls. The adult Cal questions why the Charm Bracelets weren't categorized as ethnic since they also had unique linguistic code and traditions. Still, they make Callie feel like an outsider. Meanwhile, Callie's brother, known as Chapter Eleven, is attending the University of Michigan. During his summer break, he worries about being drafted. Callie observes his fear and contemplates the expendability of the sexes. Luckily, Chapter Eleven's draft number is too high for him to be called to serve. Eventually, Callie experiences growth and exhibits masculine traits. Her voice deepens and she temporarily gains popularity as her peers see her as a boy. Yet, this newfound masculinity turns out to be unappealing. To regain some control, Callie grows her hair out. Despite its coarse texture, similar to Zizmo's, and its tendency to get everywhere, she persists in keeping it long to obscure her face.
chapter 17
In late 1973, Callie begins to sprout facial hair, leading salon owner Sophie Sassoon to offer her services to the young girl. Despite the strange occurrence, no one finds it strange as facial hair is common among Greek women. As a result, Callie frequently visits Sophie’s salon, becoming well-acquainted with hair removal. Although not allowed to wear makeup to school, Callie and her friend enjoy applying eyeliner on weekends. After his first college year, Chapter Eleven comes home for the summer, seeming like a changed person. He confides in Callie about his recent experimentation with acid. By Christmas of that year, now into his sophomore year, Chapter Eleven reveals his switch from engineering to anthropology, deciding to conduct "fieldwork" at home. He starts recording his family's conversations. His girlfriend Meg, a Marxist political science student, joins the family, interrogating Milton about his workers' wages. She discloses Chapter Eleven's strange habit of riding dorm elevators in the dark. She gifts Callie a copy of the book, Our Bodies, Ourselves, and Chapter Eleven puts Callie on the spot with a personal question, making her uncomfortable. Milton plans a family trip to Turkey during the summer, intending to visit Desdemona and Lefty's childhood village. Chapter Eleven declines the invitation, citing tourism as a form of colonialism, claiming he no longer aligns with the family’s values. Reflecting on this, Cal believes Chapter Eleven’s transformation might have stemmed from getting his draft number and feeling controlled by lottery.
chapter 18
Cal reflects on his writing and feels it hasn't been as freeing as he hoped. He speculates that his fear might be preventing him from being part of the intersex movement. He believes the only form of closeness he prefers is between an author and reader. Tessie and Milton are left in bitter quiet after Chapter Eleven. During spring, Callie is in an advanced English class with Mr. da Silva, who motivates her to connect with her Greek ancestry. Despite its violent nature, Callie loves The Iliad. When a mysterious new girl enters her class, Callie is instantly captivated. Cal refers to her as the “Obscure Object” in his memoir, withholding her actual identity for the sake of her privacy. One day, Mr. da Silva asks the Object to read. Since she doesn't have her book, she shares with Callie, triggering an intense hormone rush in Callie. Despite the emotional depth of female friendships at the school, any girl suspected of same-sex attraction is ostracized. At school, Callie overhears her parents' worries about her delayed menstruation. She is unsettled by an unidentified growth between her legs. The school's eighth graders annually perform a classical Greek play. This year, Antigone is chosen with the Object playing the lead role due to her evident acting skills. Callie, who plays the blind prophet Tiresias, helps her rehearse. Away from school, they become friends, sharing gossip and information from Our Bodies, Ourselves. The Object starts to think of Callie as "a cool kid" and shares acting tips with her. Before the performance, Callie wishes the Object luck, but is asked to leave her alone, hurting Callie. During the play, another classmate, Maxine, suffers a lethal aneurysm on stage. The Object breaks down, and Callie comforts her.
chapter 19
Tessie schedules a visit for Callie to see a gynecologist, Dr. Bauer. Despite her family's plans to travel to Turkey, Callie prefers staying in Grosse Pointe, fueled by her love for 'The Object'. The Object invites Callie to her family swim club, and expresses a desire for Callie to accompany her family to their summer home in August. However, Callie's plans to be in Turkey prevent her from accepting the offer. During this outing, The Object’s brother, Jerome, shares his idea for a monster film—Vampires in Prep School. This story draws parallels between a vampire headmaster and the older generation's transformation of the new generation into lifeless entities. During a sleepover at the Object’s house, Callie enquires about the Object's experiences with gynecological visits. The Object's sinister depiction of her encounters and her warning about Dr. Bauer's inappropriate behavior unsettles Callie. On another occasion, the Object questions Callie's aversion to display nudity in front of her, comforting her with their bond of friendship. This exchange fills Callie with joy. Back home, Callie anxiously anticipates her gynecologist examination and resorts to prayer for the commencement of her period, while Tessie expresses concern over Chapter Eleven's unfortunate college dropout situation and declining health. Callie and the Object attend a party where Jerome invites Callie to feature in his vampire film. Here, the Object flirts with Jerome’s friend Rex, notorious for causing his previous girlfriend's death due to drunk driving. Callie intervenes, leading to a disagreement that ends with the Object acknowledging their strained relationship and expressing relief over Callie's imminent departure. The following day, Callie fakes a menstrual cramp at church, causing Tessie to rejoice, thinking Callie's period has started. However, the family's travel plans are abruptly canceled due to escalating tensions between Turkey and Greece, resulting from Turkey's invasion of Cyprus.
chapter 20
Callie starts faking her menstrual cycle, leading her mother, Tessie, to cancel their doctor's appointment. Feeling a sense of control over her body, Callie agrees to visit her friend, the Object, at a summer house. Internationally, tensions rise as the U.S. supports Turkey in a conflict with Greece, causing Milton to lose favor with his Greek friends due to his agreement with the U.S. In Petoskey, Callie visits the Object's summer home, where Jerome gives her a tour while the Object talks with Rex, another guest. Rex proposes a party at a nearby hunter's cabin in the woods. While preparing to go, Callie teases the Object about her infatuation with Rex, leading to a discussion about Jerome's possible crush on Callie. Despite feeling reluctant, Callie decides to go to the woods. In an attempt to make the Object jealous, Callie starts flirting with Jerome. All four teenagers hike to the cabin, only to find it locked. As the boys search for an accessible window, Callie nearly convinces the Object to return to the house. However, when Rex emerges from the cabin, Callie loses her persuasive power. Growing tired of her charade, Callie finds herself stuck in the scenario. The group indulges in alcohol and marijuana, leading to Jerome and Callie kissing. Distracted by watching the Object and Rex, Callie imagines herself in Rex's place. Suddenly, Jerome initiates sex with her. Callie panics, pushing him away, realizing she had been comfortable picturing herself as Rex. While she fears her secret will be revealed, Jerome remains oblivious to her physical differences.
chapter 21
Callie stirs from sleep, feeling unwell and grubby. At breakfast, the Object queries if she's feeling discomfort. The Object then accuses Callie of promiscuity, which deeply troubles Callie. She retreats to her bed and hides. Jerome joins her later, reaffirming his respect for her despite their earlier encounter. He tries to initiate intimacy but Callie rebuffs him. The Object comes back later that night, retreating to bed. Callie, seeking comfort, initiates physical contact. The Object responds passively, allowing Callie to undress her. They don't discuss the incident the next day. When Rex calls, the Object turns him down, claiming exhaustion. This sparks a pattern, with Callie making advances towards the seemingly asleep Object. During one daytime encounter, the Object playfully wishes Callie were a boy. This prompts Callie to initiate contact again, but this time Jerome intrudes, labeling them as lesbians. Though he promises discretion, he banishes Callie from his sister's presence. An altercation ensues between Jerome and Callie, leading to a chase that ends with Callie being hit by a tractor. Regaining consciousness in a car en route to the hospital, Callie sees the Object by her side, relieved. They cling to each other until Callie is separated for medical examination. The doctor spots Callie’s ambiguous genitalia, prompting a call to her parents, Milton and Tessie. A week later, Callie and her parents make a journey to consult a renowned doctor in New York City.
chapter 22
During their stay at the Lochmoor hotel in New York, Callie, Tessie, and Milton visit a specialist amidst crisis. The destination is a clinic specialising in sexual disorders and gender identity. Milton and Tessie avoid acknowledging the nature of the clinic, despite its explicit signage and overt sexual decor. Dr. Luce, an expert on intersex conditions and author of The Oracular Vulva, is excited to meet Callie, viewing her as a unique case study. His belief is that gender identity solidifies by age two and is primarily influenced by upbringing. During Callie's examination, Dr. Luce's intrigue is evident. Despite causing her discomfort, he proceeds with the examination. His analysis leaves him uncertain, as Callie's blood work indicates male, but her upbringing as female seems critical. He communicates the need for additional tests and a psychological evaluation to Callie's parents. Callie hopes Dr. Luce's evaluation will pronounce her normal so she can return home. When inquired about her attractions, she discloses her sexual experience with Jerome but labels the Object as her best friend. She submits a self-crafted life narrative to Dr. Luce, painting a picture of a typical girl. In an attempt to understand her sexuality, Dr. Luce shows her an explicit video. Neither participant appeals to her, but she conveys attraction towards the male. Throughout her interactions with Dr. Luce, Callie feels objectified and exploited for research funds. Photos of her genitals are taken for a medical book, unbeknownst to her parents. Feeling overwhelmed, Callie enquires Milton about their departure. He vaguely promises a return home when she improves, leaving Callie confused about the meaning of "better".
chapter 23
Following a fortnight, Milton and Tessie are summoned by Dr. Luce to review his diagnosis. He clarifies that Callie is a female with an excess of male hormones and recommends hormone therapy along with surgery to modify her genitalia. Assured by Dr. Luce that this plan will provide Callie a shot at a "normal" existence, Tessie and Milton give their consent. During this period, Callie is at the New York Public Library investigating medical terminology she overheard from the doctors. From "hypospadias", she finds "eunuch" and eventually "hermaphrodite." "Hermaphrodite" is synonymous with "monster." The dictionary provides more than definitions; it reveals societal norms. Dr. Luce informs Callie she's a girl with an abnormally large clitoris, but surgery can rectify it. Callie craves normalcy and is comforted by the prospect of Dr. Luce resolving the issue. However, an interruption causes Dr. Luce to leave the room. Callie discovers her file on his desk, which categorically states her biological gender as male and details how her life and family influence her gender. The report concludes that surgery is the only viable solution for Callie to be accepted as a woman, but it means sacrificing sexual pleasure. That same night, Tessie and Milton propose a Broadway trip, but Callie declines, citing exhaustion. She decides to leave, packs her suitcase, and leaves behind a note for her parents, correcting Dr. Luce's deception: Callie is a boy. Callie plans to go somewhere he is unknown.
chapter 24
Cal, now identifying as male, reaches Scranton, Pennsylvania via bus. He purchases a suit from a Salvation Army store to begin expressing his male identity. He visits a barbershop for a haircut; the barber teases him about his improved chances with girls. As Cal watches his transformation in the mirror, he worries that Dr. Luce may have been correct. Yet, once his hair is cut, he recognizes his masculine facial features that were previously obscured by his hair. Still, he feels a sense of femininity within. He mourns the loss of his female attraction, the Object. Cal aspires to travel to California but lacks the funds to cover the bus ticket. He opts to hitchhike, claiming to drivers that he's en route to university. He had hoped lying to Dr. Luce would restore normalcy in his life but realizes the perception of 'normal' is subjective and ever-changing. In his newfound solitude, he experiences self-pleasure and is reassured about his decision to avoid surgery. During his journey, he receives a lift from Ben Scheer. Ben treats him to a steakhouse meal and buys him a beer. During their dinner, Cal observes another man's knowing smile. Ben rents a motel room for them and attempts to kiss Cal, who resists and pushes him away. Ben falls asleep, leaving Cal to sneak out the following morning. The first car that stops for him belongs to the man he noticed at the restaurant, forcing him to accept the ride despite his misgivings.
chapter 25
Bob Presto, the driver, suggests that women are attracted to a deep voice, noting Cal's higher pitch. Once realizing Cal's gender, Presto initially perceives Cal as a homosexual, but quickly corrects his misunderstanding, offering to drop him off in San Francisco's Haight neighborhood. Presto hints at a familiarity with transgender experiences and hands Cal his business card, promising potential earnings. Back in New York, Milton and Tessie are advised by police to go back to Detroit, should Cal return. Meeting with Dr. Luce, they're informed of the misunderstanding Callie had with her medical files. Only after Milton's outburst, they're allowed to review the files themselves. At home, Tessie contemplates the transformation of Callie's room from female to male, recalling signs of Callie's ambiguous femininity. Both Tessie and Milton try to rationalize the situation, with Milton devoting himself to finding Cal. In San Francisco, Cal befriends a group of homeless youths after buying one of them a meal. They introduce him to their makeshift community in Golden Gate Park. Cal is faced with the difficult realization that he might need to contact his parents, despite their inability to truly assist him. In the meantime, Milton reaches out to Chapter Eleven, pleading for him to return home to help with their family hot dog business. Amidst the family drama, Cal is left alone one night in the park, and is assaulted by two strangers. They initially mistake his student id for a girlfriend's, then try to rape him when realized it's his. However, they stop abruptly after seeing his body, instead beating him unconscious. After regaining consciousness, Cal calls Presto for help.
chapter 26
The belief that nurture shapes a child's gender was widely accepted during the 1970s' unisex trend. However, it was eventually supplanted by the evolutionary biology perspective, which emphasizes gender distinctions. Cal doesn't fit neatly into either framework, opting to live as a man. As it turns out, genetics doesn't provide all the answers, implying a role for free will. Bob Presto's girlfriend urges him to contact Cal's parents, but Presto maintains that Cal asserts he's of legal age. Presto operates a peep show named Octopussy’s Garden, showcasing gender nonconforming individuals in a water tank. Cal begins working there under the alias Hermaphroditus. The show features Zora, also known as Melanie the Mermaid, an attractive and intersex individual with androgen insensitivity syndrome. Unlike Cal, Zora identifies as agender. Following Zora is Carmen, a transgender woman performing as Ellie and her Electric Eel. During their performances, Cal, Zora, and Carmen are typically high to make the audience less prominent. Cal resides with Zora, learning from her that intersex individuals have always been a part of society. Zora chooses to be open about her condition, viewing intersex people as the next stage in human evolution. By day, Cal assists Zora in writing her book, The Sacred Hermaphrodite. His research reveals that intersex individuals are often revered in various cultures. Despite this, Cal lacks any supernatural abilities. In January, an anonymous caller contacts Milton, asserting that he knows of Cal's whereabouts. Although Milton initially hangs up, he eventually insists on information, only for the caller to disconnect. On New Year’s, Cal realizes that the audience isn't repulsed by him during his performance in the tank, leading him to feel liberated and forget about the Object. However, the police abruptly shut down Octopussy’s Garden. In the aftermath, Cal phones home from the police station, only to learn from Chapter Eleven that his father, Milton, has died in a mishap.
chapter 27
Cal finds himself at a Warhol art exhibition in Berlin where he encounters Julie Kikuchi. Julie teases Cal about his smoking habit. As they smoke cigars together, he admits that he owes her an explanation regarding an unreturned phone call. In a flashback to 1975, an enigmatic man contacts Milton, asserting that he has kidnapped Callie. The unknown man knows intimate details about the Stephanides and demands a ransom. Milton heads to the train station in the dead of night without informing Tessie, fearing that she might urge him to involve the authorities. At the station, Milton places the ransom funds in a trash can as instructed. He contemplates leaving but decides to confront the kidnapper. Milton catches Father Mike retrieving the briefcase from the bin. A chase ensues, with Father Mike heading for Canada and Milton hot on his trail, honking and yelling to attract the attention of border officials. Milton pretends to comply with their commands to stop but then races off, following Father Mike over a bridge. Cal speculates that Father Mike felt powerless in his marriage to Zoë, finding it jarring to transition from his respected position at church to his humiliating home life. A sudden stop on the bridge causes Father Mike to slam on the brakes, leading to a collision with Milton’s car. Milton is killed instantly. Cal, narrating the story, visualizes a different scene where his father’s car launches off the bridge. He conjures up an emotional image of Milton crying for the first time since his childhood, upset at his inability to rescue Cal and regretting a life spent dictating rules to others only to end up making a foolish mistake. Cal adds that maybe it was better that Milton didn’t live to see the downfall of Hercules Hot Dogs in Chapter Eleven or meet the man Cal had ultimately turned out to be.
chapter 28
Cal assures Julie Kikuchi that his attraction to females has nothing to do with his intersex condition. She consents to date him and they proceed to be intimate. After Cal's arrest in the scandal at Octopussy’s Garden, Chapter Eleven bails him out from jail in San Francisco, expressing surprise yet acceptance for Cal's transformations. They return home for Milton’s burial. Upon their arrival, Tessie is emotionally overwhelmed, having desired a daughter. Cal explains his transition from Callie to Cal, helping Tessie understand the change isn't as drastic as she perceived. Desdemona's health and memory are deteriorating, preventing her from attending the funeral. Cal tends to her, taking Epsom salts for her feet. Initially, she confuses him for Lefty but gradually recognizes him as Calliope. Cal updates her on his maturation, reminiscent of similar occurrences in their village. Desdemona takes blame for Cal's condition, confessing her incestuous relationship with Lefty. Cal prefers to stay with Desdemona during the funeral, but Tessie protests. Cal mimics Milton’s disdain for costly church candles, inducing laughter from Tessie who then allows him to stay back. Desdemona, with a sense of pride, validates her predictions with Cal, who pledges to keep her secrets. Later, she relocates with Tessie and Zoë to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The funeral attendance is small, revealing Milton's shortage of friends compared to business contacts. Cal upholds a Greek custom, standing in the doorway to prevent Milton’s spirit from returning. He remains there, pleased to be home, mourning his father, and contemplating his future.
