Jacob Jankowski grapples with guilt and a hangover after a drunken episode, but finds solace in Kinko's gesture of friendship, who allows Jacob to call him by his real name, Walter. Arriving in Chicago, the stockyards' grim reality reinforces Jacob's resolve to protect the circus animals, a promise he makes in honor of his deceased father. These chapters set the stage for a volatile mix of forbidden romance, brutal violence, and desperate survival.
Chapter 11: The Speakeasy and the Kiss
Seeking solace, Jacob finds Marlena Rosenbluth praying in a Catholic church, intensifying his feelings for her. That evening, August Rosenbluth feigns an apology and invites Jacob and Marlena to a speakeasy, where Marlena comes alive with the music. As they dance, August watches with jealous fury, highlighting the theme of Power, Control, and Abuse.
During a police raid, Jacob and Marlena escape together, separated from August. Overwhelmed, Jacob kisses Marlena, who initially responds before pulling away in horror. Jacob walks back to the circus, witnessing the harsh realities of the Great Depression and feeling a connection to the sleeping animals, especially Rosie. The next morning, Walter warns Jacob that August is dangerous and pursuing Marlena could be deadly.
Chapter 12: The Grand Spec and the Cabbage Patch
Jacob focuses on his veterinary duties, learning that Camel suffers from the effects of drinking jake, and witnesses August's cruelty. Uncle Al insists Rosie participate in the daily parade, which ends in chaos, but Rosie becomes a sensation in the menagerie.
Uncle Al demands Rosie and Marlena perform in the Grand Spec that evening. When August strikes Rosie with the bull hook, she bolts, nearly decapitating Marlena, who turns the near-catastrophe into a stunning acrobatic feat, injuring her feet. Jacob is sent to retrieve Rosie, who is eating a woman’s cabbage patch, where he meets Greg, who reveals Rosie understands Polish. The chapter ends with August beating Rosie in the menagerie, using the circus band to drown out her screams.
Chapter 13: The Man Who Carried Water
Seventy years later, 93-year-old Jacob watches a modern circus set up outside his nursing home, reflecting on Aging, Dignity, and Mortality. He struggles to maintain his autonomy, fighting with a nurse over his walker.
During lunch, Jacob is infuriated by Mr. McGuinty, who falsely claims he "carried water for the elephants" as a boy. Rosemary, his favorite nurse, explains that McGuinty isn't lying but believing his own wished-for past, highlighting the fragility of memory and the importance of personal history.
Chapter 14: Jake Leg and a Confession
Back in 1931, Jacob learns Camel suffers from "jake leg," permanent paralysis from contaminated moonshine, and that Uncle Al is withholding pay, a precursor to "redlighting." Jacob sacrifices his father's watch for a doctor, who offers no hope.
Fearing for Camel's life, Jacob and Walter hide him in their room. Marlena summons Jacob, confessing she can't stop thinking about their kiss and that it would be "easier" if he didn't want to kiss her, confirming her feelings. Before Jacob can respond, she panics and sends him away, emphasizing the theme of Love, Passion, and Forbidden Romance.
Chapter 15: The Lemonade Thief
Jacob, Walter, and Camel settle into a difficult routine. Lucinda the hippopotamus dies, and Uncle Al stages an elaborate funeral procession, resulting in a sold-out show, exemplifying Illusion vs. Reality.
Marlena returns to the ring with her liberty horse act, captivating Jacob. At breakfast, Jacob explodes at August, admitting he lied about seeing the Benzini Brothers circus before. August finds this hilarious and seems to gain a twisted respect for Jacob. The circus's lemonade is repeatedly stolen by Rosie, who has learned to pull up her stake. When Uncle Al discovers the truth, he confronts August, who prepares to beat Rosie again. Marlena tries to stop him, but he violently shoves her to the ground. Jacob comforts the sobbing Marlena in a moment of shared despair and intimacy.
Key Events
- The Kiss (Chapter 11): Jacob kisses Marlena after escaping a speakeasy raid, but she flees, conflicted.
- Marlena's Accident (Chapter 12): Marlena is nearly killed during a performance with Rosie but saves the act, severely injuring her feet.
- The Polish Commands (Chapter 12): Jacob learns Rosie understands commands in Polish.
- Hiding Camel (Chapter 14): Jacob and Walter hide Camel, paralyzed with jake leg, to save him from being "redlighted."
- Marlena's Confession (Chapter 14): Marlena admits she has feelings for Jacob.
- Rosie the Lemonade Thief (Chapter 15): Rosie is revealed as the lemonade thief, leading to a confrontation between Uncle Al and August.
- The Final Embrace (Chapter 15): After August shoves Marlena, Jacob comforts her.
Character Development
- Jacob Jankowski: He solidifies his moral compass, risking his safety to protect Camel. His love for Marlena deepens, and he finds his voice, exploding at August.
- Marlena Rosenbluth: She displays strength and vulnerability, trapped in her abusive marriage. Her confession to Jacob marks a turning point.
- August Rosenbluth: His charm masks a violent, paranoid man. His brutal beatings of Rosie parallel his abuse of Marlena.
- Walter (Kinko): He transforms into Jacob's loyal friend, helping hide Camel.
- Camel: He becomes a tragic symbol of the Depression era's forgotten men.
Themes & Symbols
Love, Passion, and Forbidden Romance: The secret dance, the kiss, and Jacob's adoration build emotional tension. Marlena's confession confirms their mutual feelings.
Cruelty vs. Compassion: August's beatings of Rosie contrast with Jacob and Walter's care for Camel and Jacob's commitment to the animals.
Power, Control, and Abuse: August uses violence and manipulation to control Rosie and Marlena. Uncle Al wields financial power, exploiting his workers.
Illusion vs. Reality: The circus is a symbol of this theme. The audience sees a magical spectacle, while backstage, the reality is pain and fear.
Symbols
- The Bull Hook: Symbolizes August's tyranny and cruelty.
- Jacob's Father's Watch: Symbolizes Jacob's sacrifice of his past for his present principles.
Significance
These chapters establish the central conflicts. The romance between Jacob and Marlena moves from glances to confessed love, and August's violence makes the danger palpable. The key to Rosie—her understanding of Polish commands—is introduced. Jacob evolves into an active protector, rebelling against the circus's brutal code.
Analysis
Sara Gruen builds tension through character dynamics and dramatic irony. The reader knows August's rage, creating dread. The audience laughing at Rosie's "performance" highlights the circus's dark reality. The flash-forward in Chapter 13 reinforces the novel's themes from old age. Gruen parallels August's treatment of Rosie and Marlena, linking them as symbols of abused beauty.