The ending in Hetty Dorval when first read is not entirely satisfying since there is little closure created for the reader. The reader does not put down the book and think about the brilliant or tragic ending of the characters, but rather, is left to think about what happens in the lives of the characters. Since Hetty and Frankie are present throughout the entire story, and they are constantly interacting with the reader, one does wonder when the novel comes to a close about their fate. All that is left for Wilson's audience to understand about the two characters is the idea that Hetty and Frankie go their separate ways, and a war begins in Vienna. When such an intimate view into the life of two characters is created, this idea of the two just going their separate ways is

This idea of the constant reunions between the two women could be considered symbolically to show how the two women do need each other as friends, and how they are more similar than either one knows. Even in the ending when Frankie makes it clear that she does not want Hetty in her life any longer, Hetty still shows up at Frankie's apartment looking for a place to stay. There is a connection between the two, although both characters do not seem to want to admit it, and by Hetty running to Frankie it can be seen symbolically that Hetty has now become the child in the relationship. At the end of the novel when the two do separate on a more permanent basis, it can be concluded that the two are apart for good and can no longer relate to each other or be apart of the other's life.

across the large jewelry store was Hetty....I looked away

At the ending of the story when Hetty leaves for Vienna and nothing more is mentioned of her could signify the idea that she was finally able to maintain the idea of being out of the public's eye and has found her solitude. By taking the language used into consideration, a new understanding of what the ending of the novel could actually signify is presented.

Although the ending does not allow closure for the reader, it is possible for the reader to interpret the novel with some of the ideas that are present in the ending. Throughout the novel the close ties of Hetty and Frankie are present, even when Frankie does not want Hetty in her life, she is there. A perfect example of this is when Frankie has traveled to Vancouver and she is in a jewelry shop looking at some necklaces. She looks up and across the counter is Hetty examining an expensive pearl necklace.

"As we leaned across the counter, I looked up, and there,

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Approximate Word count = 1212
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)