Ana witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus, an event that shatters her world and forces her to confront her deepest longings. Surrounded by the other women, including his mother Mary and Mary of Magdala, Ana grapples with the reality of his death and the implications for her own future. These chapters mark a turning point, as Ana begins to redefine her identity and choose a path that aligns with her true self.
Chapter 101: v
At the foot of the cross, Ana joins the other women in a silent vigil as Jesus dies. They stand together, their hands intertwined on his feet like a lotus flower. In his final gaze, Ana feels the weight of their shared history. His last words, "It is finished," signal the departure of his spirit, which she perceives as "like a great flock of birds."
Later, in a borrowed tomb, the women prepare Jesus's body for burial. Initially paralyzed by grief, Ana understands that touching his body will make his death real. Joseph of Arimathea, a follower of Jesus, secures the body and provides burial spices. As Ana cleanses him, "boundless pain" washes over her. They anoint him with myrrh, and as Salome combs his hair, Ana kisses his cheeks and whispers, "I will meet you in the place called Deathless."
Chapter 102: vi
That evening, the mourners gather at the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Bethany. A heavy silence hangs in the air until Ana reveals that her brother, Judas, betrayed Jesus. Mary of Magdala is shocked, but Ana explains that Judas's hatred for Rome was a stronger force. She asks the others to recount Jesus's trial, learning how Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, who mocked him. Pilate then offered the crowd a choice, and they chose Barabbas over Jesus.
Devastated, Ana shares a memory of Jesus buying back her pet goat, Delilah, after his sister Judith sold her. The story culminates in Delilah getting revenge by eating Judith’s expensive new linen, bringing a moment of laughter. Later, the disciple John arrives with the tragic news of Judas's suicide.
Chapter 103: vii
Ana processes the news of her brother’s suicide with conflicting emotions. While a part of her wished him dead for his betrayal, she also recognizes that Jesus would have tried to act with love even toward Judas. She clings to her animosity as a shield against the pain of her grief. As Tabitha plays her lyre, Ana’s grief for her husband mingles with sorrow for her brother—not the man who betrayed Jesus, but the boy she grew up with, the one who resisted their father and Rome. She mourns the loss of the Judas she once loved and weeps for him.
Chapter 104: viii
Ana reflects on her aunt, Yaltha's, words about finding an "inviolate" place within herself. She joins the other women, who plan to return to the tomb to finish anointing Jesus's body. Mary, Jesus's mother, tells Ana they will travel to Nazareth after the mourning period. The thought of returning to Nazareth without Jesus, under the authority of his brother James and the threat of Antipas, fills Ana with dread.
In a moment of clarity, Ana realizes that Nazareth was never her home; Jesus was her home. With him gone, her true home is in Egypt with Yaltha and the Therapeutae, where she can pursue her life as a writer. This embodies the theme of The Search for Self and Personal Longing. She tells Mary of her decision, and Mary blesses her: "Go in peace, Ana, for you were born for this." Inspired, Tabitha asks to go with her, and Martha provides the money for Tabitha’s passage. The next morning, Ana, Tabitha, and Lavi depart, Ana taking one last look at the hill where Jesus died before turning toward her future.
Chapter 105: Part 3, i-ii
Ana and Tabitha arrive in Egypt and reunite with Yaltha and Diodora. Ana recounts Jesus's crucifixion. Yaltha informs her that Haran’s soldiers abandoned their outpost, believing Ana had returned to Galilee. Though Haran may learn of her return, Yaltha is confident they are safe within the community. She and Diodora have vowed to remain with the Therapeutae for life. Ana and Tabitha declare their intention to do the same, solidifying their new, chosen family. Nearly two years later, Ana is at her writing desk in the library, firmly re-established in her chosen life.
Key Events
- Jesus is crucified and dies on Golgotha.
- Joseph of Arimathea secures Jesus’s body for burial.
- Ana reveals Judas's betrayal.
- John announces Judas's suicide.
- Ana decides to return to her community in Egypt.
- Tabitha accompanies Ana.
- Ana and Tabitha arrive safely in Egypt.
Character Development
The characters undergo significant transformations in these chapters:
- Ana: Endures the trauma of Jesus’s death, leading to a moment of clarity about her identity and purpose. She chooses to pursue her longings as a writer in Egypt, embracing her independent spirit.
- Mary, mother of Jesus: Portrayed as a figure of grace and strength, she blesses Ana’s decision, demonstrating her deep love and understanding.
- Tabitha: Makes a bold decision to leave her home and follow Ana, revealing her longing for a different life and her loyalty to Ana.
- Judas: His tragic arc concludes with his suicide, underscoring his guilt and internal conflict.
Themes & Symbols
- Feminism and Women's Voices: The narrative centralizes the female experience of the crucifixion, portraying women as steadfast witnesses and keepers of memory. Ana’s choice to return to a female-led community prioritizes her spiritual and intellectual fulfillment.
- The Search for Self and Personal Longing: The loss of Jesus forces Ana to define herself and her future. Her realization that "Jesus had been my home" emphasizes that her belonging lies in pursuing her deepest longings.
- Storytelling as a Means of Survival: Ana turns to storytelling to process grief, reinforcing her identity as a writer and showing how narrative helps process trauma.
- Found Family: The bonds between the women provide strength. Ana, Yaltha, Diodora, and Tabitha form a new family chosen by shared values and love.
Key Quotes
“I will meet you in the place called Deathless.”
This quote, whispered by Ana as she prepares Jesus's body, speaks to her profound love and spiritual connection with him. It suggests a belief in an afterlife where they will be reunited, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming grief.
“Go in peace, Ana, for you were born for this.”
Mary's blessing encapsulates the novel's feminist themes. It validates Ana's choice to pursue her own path, prioritizing her personal fulfillment over societal expectations. This moment is a powerful affirmation of Ana's identity and her right to live authentically.
Significance
This section marks the narrative and emotional climax of the novel, with Jesus's crucifixion serving as the catalyst for Ana's self-determination. By choosing to return to Egypt, Ana ensures her story continues, claiming her own voice and future. These chapters resolve Ana’s primary conflicts and set the stage for her life as a scholar and writer.
Analysis
Sue Monk Kidd reframes the crucifixion narrative by focusing on the intimate experiences of the women present. The narrative’s power comes from small, sensory details that ground the tragedy in a tangible reality.
The juxtaposition of sorrow and laughter over the story of Delilah illustrates the complex nature of grief and the power of storytelling. This moment reinforces Ana’s identity as a storyteller and her means of survival.
Ana’s redefinition of "home" elevates the concept to an internal state of being. Her decision to return to Egypt is a homecoming to herself, where her soul can thrive, bringing the novel’s exploration of female identity and personal longing to a satisfying conclusion.