The prologue immediately plunges the reader into a world of lust and suspicion, as an unnamed narrator, later revealed to be Adam Morgan, reflects on his affair with Kelly Summers. His thoughts are not of love, but of detached, physical observations, setting the stage for a dark and twisted tale. The prologue culminates in a chilling question that reframes everything: did he kill her?
What Happens
The narrator fixates on the physical details of his encounters with Kelly, recalling the curve of her back and the tremble of her lip. He analyzes his own feelings, concluding that he "loved parts of her," but not her as a whole person. This fragmented affection reveals his inability to form a genuine connection, reducing her to an object of his desire.
The narrative takes a sharp turn as the narrator dismisses the question of love, posing a far more sinister one. He asks, "But the question isn’t whether or not he loved her. The question is… did he kill her?" This abrupt shift transforms the tone from erotic to suspenseful, immediately casting suspicion on Adam and establishing the central mystery of the novel.
Character Development
- Adam Morgan: Introduced as detached and self-analytical, Adam reduces his mistress to a collection of body parts and sexual reactions. His internal monologue reveals a man driven by lust, not love, and the final question immediately establishes him as the primary suspect in a murder.
- Kelly Summers: She is introduced not as a person, but as an object of Adam's desire, described only through her physical attributes. This dehumanization sets her up as the victim, not just of a crime, but of profound objectification.
Themes & Symbols
The prologue introduces several key themes that will resonate throughout the novel. The narrator's cold assessment of his feelings highlights the theme of love and infidelity, contrasting sharply with the concept of genuine affection. The affair itself is an act of betrayal and deception, and the possibility of murder introduces the ultimate betrayal. The existence of the affair undermines the idea of the façade of a perfect marriage, suggesting that beneath any veneer of perfection lies a dark reality.
Key Quotes
But the question isn’t whether or not he loved her. The question is… did he kill her?
This line is the linchpin of the prologue, transforming a story of infidelity into a potential murder mystery. It immediately casts suspicion on the narrator and establishes the central conflict of the novel.
Why This Matters and Section Significance
The prologue is critical for establishing the novel's core elements. It sets a dark, suspenseful, and sexually charged tone. It introduces the central mystery—did Adam kill Kelly?—that drives the entire plot. It immediately positions Adam as an unreliable narrator whose guilt or innocence is the primary question the reader must answer. The shocking final question serves as a powerful hook, compelling the reader to continue and uncover the truth.