Part 1: The Body, Chapters 4 and 5 Summary

Iris learns that she was named for the iris of an eye instead of the flower that she had always imagined. Persia also tells Iris that she herself was named for the country Persia because of its exotic qualities so appealing to Persia's mother.

Duke Courtney continues his life of failed jobs, poker games, and gambling while Persia works as a waitress. The Courtney family is deeply in debt and Persia begins to realize that Duke has a serious gambling problem. Alcohol begins to be a problem for both Duke and Persia as they drink to escape their increasingly dreary life.

Soon Persia realizes the extent of the family's indebtedness due mostly to Duke's gambling habits and bad investments. Persia is astonished at the outrageous amount but Duke, as usual, is able to sweet talk...