1 – I find it funny that in the chapter’s name, it is mentioned that Deuteronomy is the last book of the law. In a symbolic interpretation, we could see that it would be the last time that restrictively Jeanette would be following a bible book as a literal interpretation. This is especially one of my favorite chapters because it is very analytical and reflexive, she does not judge sin or morality but deep dives in the concept of humanity. There is not much I could say in a space of 250 words minimum, because in its essence is a very short chapter where Jeanette is still reflecting in morals and values. She does not at any point martires herself, but also does not let herself to be the victim or perpetrator. She only tries to understand the human side of nature that motivates people to do certain actions, tell certain stories, and collectively believe in a tale. As I read more and more her point of view, more I respect her. I dont perceive malicy or hate in her words, but she is simply trying to understand the boundaries of grey and create her own concepts. I feel compassion for her as she is by herself in this world and she needs to create all of this realizations alone, because she does not have a father figure to guide her in what is right. Also, she is learning to understand what made people create the narratives they had, what makes me wonder if she would be relating those thoughts with people’s speeches and interpretations of the bible.

2- “Very often history is a means of denying the past. Denying the past is to refuse to recognize its integrity. To fit it, force it, function it, to suck out the spirit until it looks the way you think it should.” In this reflexive quote Jeanette is in her own mind philosophizing about is right to her and what are actually her own values. As a character development, we can see that her perceives between what is told in a story and the percentage of how much of it is left from the real essence of what was happening. Of what was the real truth, or what was told and edited afterwards. She deeply think about what people’s motivations are to believe in a certain belief, and in somehow the seductiveness of dead or the essence of sin. In her reflections she also thinks: “So the past, because it is the past, is only malleable where once it was flexible. Once it could change its mind, now it can only undergo change.” In some level Jeanette is reflecting about power dynamics, and the setting where it would go in people’s motivations and instincts. She explores the concept oh until when a story can be edited or the mental boundaries of people’s power in that concept. In the end she mentions: “If you want to make your own teeth, make your own sandwiches.” After all the reflections she had, she came to a conclusion that she should take care of herself. She is developing for a character of independence and individuality not based on self interest, but survival.