Summary

The first part of this section of the book is titled “7 Hours,” and returns to the second-person, present-tense narration describing the last day of Anson Packer. This section begins with a description of Packer’s unappetizing lunch, and his contemplation on how closely connected love and joy are. Packer then considers how soon his plan for escape is going to be set in motion, as he is transferred to the institution where he will be executed. He reflects on Shawna’s part in the plan, considering how “Shawna is a woman made up of other people’s perceptions” (92) and how delusional she seems to be about the happiness she and Packer will share after the escape. He is also visited by the Warden, confirming the arrangements for the afternoon. His visit triggers memory of a conversation in which he and the Warden...