The Barren Grounds Chapter 11

Summary

In Chapter 11, Morgan struggles with her surroundings in a swampy village, experiencing darkness and physical weakness. She encounters Eli Drew, who supports her, and they discuss the connection between their world and another. Morgan blacks out and later awakens in a warm room, where she has a vivid dream about a woman and a child. Upon waking, she realizes the woman was her mother, evoking a mix of emotions. Eli and Morgan bond over their shared experiences, and she learns she's been there for two weeks, a revelation that shocks her. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time.

Takeaways

• 🌌 Morgan experiences a disorienting journey to a village where she feels overwhelmed by darkness and physical weakness.
• 🐾 The Fisher, who supports Morgan, explains the connection between worlds, suggesting the reality of their situation.
• 😵‍♀️ Morgan loses consciousness and is carried by the Fisher, experiencing a dream that feels very real.
• 👩‍👧 In her dream, Morgan sees a woman rocking a child and humming a song, which seems to be a significant memory.
• 🌲 Morgan wakes up in a warm room, finding comfort in Eli's presence and the realization that she's safe.
• 🔥 Eli and Morgan discuss the meaning of a word from her dream, 'kisy sitot', which translates to 'don't forget yourself'.
• 😢 Morgan realizes the woman in her dream was her mother, leading to a mix of emotions including anger and sadness.
• 🏠 Eli reassures Morgan that her memories are important, and they share a moment of empathy.
• 🕰️ Morgan learns that she has been in the village for two weeks, which is a shock as it felt like only hours to her.
• 🗓️ The concept of time differing between worlds is introduced, causing Morgan to question her perception of reality.
• 🚪 There is a sense of urgency to return home before Morgan's absence is noticed, highlighting the importance of time management.

Q & A

What is the setting of Chapter 11?

Chapter 11 is set in a village surrounded by swampy areas, where Morgan is experiencing difficulty standing due to her knees feeling like they are about to give out.

Who is supporting Morgan when she feels weak?

Fish, a character in the story, has his paw firmly under Morgan's armpit to support her.

What does Morgan ask Eli Drew about the strange phenomenon she is experiencing?

Morgan asks Eli Drew how it is possible for her surroundings to be spinning into blackness and how the situation is real.

What does the Fisher tell Morgan about the connection between worlds?

The Fisher tells Morgan that all things are connected, including her world and the one they are in, the sky and the land.

What happens to Morgan when she starts to lose her fight against the darkness?

Morgan's legs finally give out, and she starts to fall, but is caught by the Fisher who lifts her into his arms.

Who is Och, and what does he do for Morgan?

Och is a character who catches Morgan as she falls and carries her into a warm room to help her recover.

What does Morgan dream about in the warmth of the room?

Morgan dreams about a woman rocking a toddler, humming a song, and crying while whispering the word 'kisy sitot' to the child.

What does the word 'kisy sitot' mean according to Eli?

Eli explains that 'kisy sitot' means something like 'don't forget about who you are' or 'don't forget yourself'.

How does Morgan react when she realizes the woman in her dream was her mother?

Morgan is initially shocked and then overcome with anger, pushing Eli's hand away and burying herself under a hide blanket.

What does Morgan accuse Eli of, and how does he respond?

Morgan accuses Eli of not thinking about how his actions would make her feel, to which Eli responds by expressing his own longing for home and understanding her anger.

How does the concept of time differ between Morgan's world and the one she is in now?

Time in Morgan's world and the one she is in now is significantly different; hours in her reality can equate to weeks in this new world.

What does Oek reveal to Morgan about the passage of time?

Oek reveals that it has been over two weeks since Morgan arrived in his world by showing her the notches he has been making on the wall to keep track of the days.