The novel explores the history of Whiteheart’s agriculture. Initially, Whiteheart celery was grown, but then the economy shifted so that nearly everyone turned to farming soybean or corn. In time, the use of chemical fertilizers was normalized, which affected the plant and animal life in the swampy area.

While Hermine is in the hospital, many people pray for her healing, but others, such as Reverend Roy, feel that the gunshot is an apt punishment for the abortions that Hermine provides. Although he and Molly have a relationship, neither wants any kind of permanent commitment such as legal marriage. One day, Roy brings several men to a secret part of the church basement. It is covered in elaborate frescoes and is the location where men once held secret meetings. The bones of a woman said to be Baba Rose’s mother are also housed there. (Later, Hermine will insist that the men have hidden her hand there as well). Roy instructs the men to cement over the walls. As they work, one of the men, Standish, recalls shooting Hermine in retaliation for the abortion she induced in his teen daughter. He was the man in camouflage whom Donkey saw lurking near the island.