Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Night Watchman, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Power, Solidarity, and Community Action
Oppression and Supposed Good Intentions
Humor and Pain
Sex, Violence, and Gender
Agency and Exploitation
Summary
Analysis
In Millie’s studio, Patrice asks her what she would have to do to become a lawyer. She thinks of Wood Mountain. They had made love and looked into each other’s eyes. She loves him, she thinks. Doesn’t she? She wonders how she’s supposed to know. She hopes that Vera coming home will help to clear things up.
Patrice asks Millie about college and becoming a lawyer, plans that would help Patrice secure independence if she were able to accomplish them. She also continues to feel ambivalent about her relationship with Wood Mountain, not sure if she loves him, or, if she does, how much, or in what way.
Themes
