The Notebook: Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

The next morning, Allie wakes early. Though she wore Noah’s shirt to bed, enveloped in its soft texture and comforting smell, she hasn’t slept well at all. Nevertheless, Allie is in a good mood as she steps out of bed, recalling the early mornings she and Noah once spent going out on the river in his canoe at dawn.

Meanwhile, Noah is already up and on the water in his kayak, as he is almost every morning. As he makes his way down the river and breathes in the fresh cool air, he feels calm and happy amongst the magical sights, sounds, and smells of nature. As Noah paddles up and down the river, his thoughts turn to Allie and Lon—he wonders what has made Allie decide to come to New Bern. He continues mulling the question over as he paddles back home. As Noah ties his boat up, he looks at the sky. The clouds above portend rain later in the day. After a shower and some chores, Noah sips coffee while staring at Allie’s painting hanging over the fireplace. He marvels at the power she has on him after all these years. Realizing it is nearly noon, Noah begins anticipating her arrival.

After bathing and dressing, Allie spends the morning walking around downtown. As she takes in the quaint shops and businesses along the main street, she is reminded of simpler times. She thinks of what her life looks like now: bridge at the country club, meetings with her local women’s league, and dinner with the overworked Lon just once a week. Allie stops in at an art gallery and takes in the beautiful paintings. Inspired by the works, she heads to a department store to purchase some simple art supplies. She goes back up to her hotel room, sits at the window, and paints a scene of the shops below—and then she completes a thoughtful sketch of Noah. Just before noon, she rolls the sketch up in her bag and heads out the door.

In the lobby, the hotel clerk tells Allie that she missed several calls the night before from a Mr. Lon Hammond—Allie is horrified, frightened that Lon could have found out the true purpose of her visit. She knows she should call him right away, yet she is surprised to realize she doesn’t want to. She checks the time and quickly realizes that Lon is likely in court anyway. She tells the clerk to let Mr. Hammond know, should he call back, that she’s out shopping. Feeling better, Allie goes out to her car and starts the drive to Noah’s. Minutes later, unbeknownst to Allie, Lon calls the hotel from the courthouse.