The Library at Mount Char

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, child abuse, child death, and graphic violence.

Resurrections occur throughout The Library at Mount Char, beginning with Margaret’s in Chapter 1. Part of the process by which Jennifer brings Margaret back includes applying lotion to her skin in patterns that translate to the words “ambition,” “perception,” and “regret” (14). The words of the resurrection ritual also represent Carolyn’s entire arc and transformation. Ambition leads her to create chaos in the quest for power. Insights shared by Steve, Jennifer, Margaret, and Father help her perceive things differently, which in turn helps her perceive what she’s lost and the harm she’s caused. Finally, regret opens the door to transformation. In this way and others, resurrections create a motif that exemplifies The Human Capacity for Cruelty, Compassion, and Change.

After seizing power and securing her authority, Carolyn resurrects Steve multiple times. Because Steve’s character is strongly affiliated with the trait of compassion, Carolyn’s actions can be seen as a symbolic effort to restore her compassion, an important part of her redemption. Steve’s resurrections are meaningful in his character arc as well. He’s consumed by guilt and the related belief that he’s irredeemable.