The God of the Woods

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of domestic abuse.

Carl wakes en route to the local doctor, who tells him he has suffered an arrhythmia. Though the doctor advises hospitalization, Carl goes home to rest, convincing Maryanne to rejoin the search for Bear.

That night, when she returns, Maryanne tells Carl that a wooden carving of a brown bear—just like those that Carl makes—was found during the search for Bear. He explains that he taught Bear how to carve them, but Maryanne worries that this discovery looks suspicious.

Maryanne continues to aid the search over the next few days, and the number of participants increases each day. She tells Carl one evening that she fears the Van Laars may believe him to be responsible for Bear’s disappearance. Carl tells her of Bear’s fear of his grandfather; Maryanne worries that no one would consider Peter II to be a possible cause of Bear’s disappearance. The next day, the three other volunteer firefighters warn Carl that he will be arrested soon.

As she prepares to give birth, Alice vows to love the baby as she loved Bear. She recalls his infancy—Peter insisted on a day nurse and a night nurse, the latter of whom Alice disliked because the woman took poor care of Bear.