Plot Summary
Agatha's New Beginnings in Arkansas
Agatha Paul, a visiting professor, arrives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to embark on a new chapter of her life. She is eager to explore the town and immerse herself in the local culture, despite the absence of her partner, Robin, who stayed behind. This move represents a fresh start for Agatha, who is both excited and apprehensive about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Her reflections on her past relationship with Robin, marked by love and financial tensions, add depth to her journey of self-discovery and adaptation in a new environment.
Dorm Life and Unexpected Connections
Agatha's visit to Belgrade Dormitory introduces her to Millie, an RA who becomes a pivotal figure in her life. The vibrant and chaotic dorm life captivates Agatha, sparking her interest in the students' perspectives on cultural traditions like weddings. This encounter sets the stage for Agatha's evolving research focus and her growing connection with Millie, whose resourcefulness and ambition stand out amidst the complexities of college life. The dorm becomes a microcosm of social dynamics, offering Agatha a unique lens through which to view her new surroundings.
Millie's Ambitions and Challenges
Millie, a dedicated RA and student, is determined to achieve her dream of homeownership. She balances her responsibilities with her personal goals, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness. Millie's interactions with Agatha and her residents reveal her as a compassionate and ambitious individual, navigating the challenges of college life with grace. Her journey is marked by her ability to manage her time efficiently and her unwavering commitment to her aspirations, even as she faces the pressures of dorm life and personal growth.
Kennedy's Struggles and Observations
Kennedy, a transfer student, struggles to find her footing at Belgrade. She feels isolated and disconnected from her peers, observing the social dynamics around her with a keen eye. Despite her insecurities, Kennedy's perceptiveness allows her to notice the nuances of her environment and the behaviors of those around her. Her journey is characterized by her search for belonging and understanding, as she navigates the complexities of college life and her own identity.
Agatha's Past and Present Collide
Agatha's time in Arkansas becomes a period of introspection as she reflects on her relationship with Robin, a dancer who chose not to join her. Their past is filled with love and challenges, particularly around financial differences. As Agatha navigates her new life, she grapples with the remnants of her old one, contemplating the choices that have led her to this point. Her reflections on her relationship with Robin add depth to her character, highlighting the complexities of love, independence, and personal growth.
Millie's House Dream and Dorm Drama
Millie is excited about the prospect of buying a small house, balancing her responsibilities as an RA with her personal goals. Meanwhile, dorm life presents its own challenges, including a prank that disrupts the peace. Millie's resilience and determination shine through as she handles these situations with grace. Her journey is marked by her ability to navigate the complexities of college life while pursuing her dreams, showcasing her strength and ambition in the face of adversity.
Kennedy's Isolation and Eavesdropping
Feeling disconnected, Kennedy finds solace in eavesdropping on her RA's conversations, gaining insight into the lives of her peers. This clandestine activity provides her with a sense of belonging and understanding, even as she remains on the periphery of social circles. Kennedy's journey is characterized by her search for connection and her desire to understand the social dynamics around her, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging in a new environment.
Agatha's Research and Millie's Support
Agatha's interactions with Millie and the students at Belgrade inspire her to shift her research focus. She becomes fascinated by the students' candid discussions about money and culture, finding a new angle for her work. Millie's openness and support play a crucial role in Agatha's evolving project, highlighting the importance of collaboration and understanding in academic pursuits. Agatha's journey is marked by her curiosity and adaptability, as she navigates the complexities of her new environment and her own personal growth.
Agatha's Birthday and New Insights
On her birthday, Agatha embraces her independence and the freedom of her new life. She reflects on her journey, the people she's met, and the insights she's gained. This period of self-discovery is marked by a renewed sense of purpose and direction in her research and personal life. Agatha's reflections highlight the importance of introspection and growth, as she navigates the complexities of her new environment and her own identity.
Kennedy Finds a Friend
Kennedy finally finds a friend in Shea, a fellow student who shares her class. This budding friendship offers Kennedy a sense of belonging and the opportunity to open up, marking a turning point in her college experience. Through Shea, Kennedy begins to navigate her new environment with more confidence, highlighting the transformative power of friendship and connection in overcoming personal challenges.
Kennedy's Unexpected Friendship and Barbecue
Kennedy, feeling isolated, is surprised by a potential friendship with Shea, a classmate. Their professor announces a department barbecue, offering extra credit for attendance, which becomes a catalyst for Kennedy to reach out to Shea. Despite her anxiety, Kennedy takes a step towards connection, exchanging numbers with Shea and imagining a future where she feels less alone. This moment marks a turning point for Kennedy, as she begins to see the possibility of belonging and friendship in her new environment.
Millie's Conflicted Feelings and Revelations
Millie is torn between her feelings for Josh, a charming colleague, and Agatha, a professor she admires. Her interactions with Agatha become more personal, leading to a deeper connection that challenges Millie's understanding of her own identity. As Millie grapples with her emotions, she also faces the reality of her ambitions and the pressures of her responsibilities. This internal conflict highlights Millie's journey of self-discovery and the complexities of navigating relationships and personal growth.
Agatha's Ethical Dilemma and Departure
Agatha, a visiting professor, becomes entangled in an ethical dilemma as her personal and professional boundaries blur. Her relationship with Millie, a student, complicates her research and leads to a crisis of conscience. Agatha's decision to leave Arkansas is driven by the realization that her actions have consequences, both for herself and those around her. This chapter explores themes of responsibility, integrity, and the impact of personal choices on professional life.
Kennedy's Crisis and Hospital Stay
Kennedy reaches a crisis point, overwhelmed by rejection and isolation. After a traumatic incident, she finds herself in the hospital, where she begins to confront her feelings and the events that led her there. With the support of her mother and newfound friends, Kennedy starts to heal and reevaluate her path forward. This chapter delves into themes of mental health, resilience, and the importance of support systems in overcoming personal challenges.
Millie's New Beginnings and Challenges
Millie faces new challenges as she navigates the aftermath of Agatha's departure and her own evolving identity. With the opportunity to purchase a house, Millie must balance her ambitions with the realities of her situation. As she reflects on her experiences, Millie learns to embrace change and the uncertainty that comes with it. This chapter highlights themes of independence, self-discovery, and the courage to pursue one's dreams despite obstacles.
Agatha's Final Goodbye and Reflection
Agatha's departure from Arkansas marks a moment of introspection and reflection on her time there. As she says goodbye to the people and places that have shaped her experience, Agatha contemplates the lessons learned and the impact of her actions. This chapter explores themes of closure, growth, and the ongoing journey of self-awareness and personal development.
Characters
Agatha Paul
Agatha is a visiting professor in Arkansas, seeking a fresh start after a complicated relationship. She is introspective, navigating her new environment while reflecting on her past. Agatha's interactions with students and her evolving research highlight her curiosity and adaptability, as she grapples with ethical dilemmas and personal growth.
Millie Cousins
Millie is a dedicated RA and student, balancing her responsibilities with her dream of homeownership. She is compassionate and determined, navigating the challenges of dorm life with resilience. Millie's interactions with Agatha and her residents reveal her as a supportive and insightful individual, as she learns to embrace change and pursue her dreams.
Kennedy Washburn
Kennedy is a transfer student struggling to find her place. Her journey is marked by moments of isolation and the search for connection. Through her friendship with Shea and her experiences at the barbecue, Kennedy begins to find hope and a sense of belonging. Her character development highlights themes of resilience and the importance of friendship.
Robin
Robin is Agatha's former partner, a dancer who chose not to join her in Arkansas. Their relationship was marked by love and financial challenges, with Robin's spending habits often causing tension. Robin's absence prompts Agatha to reflect on their past and her own future, highlighting the complexities of love and independence.
Tyler
Tyler is a resident at Belgrade, known for her social ease and manipulative tendencies. She is involved in a prank that disrupts dorm life, revealing her as a complex character who navigates social dynamics with charm and cunning, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging.
Peyton
Peyton is Kennedy's roommate, often passive in social situations. She is involved in a prank orchestrated by Tyler, highlighting her tendency to go along with others. Peyton's interactions reveal her as a character who struggles with asserting herself, navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.
Jenna
Jenna is a resident at Belgrade, known for her confidence and outspoken nature. Her candid discussions about money and culture provide insight into the social dynamics of the dorm. Jenna's character is marked by her boldness and willingness to speak her mind, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging.
Casey
Casey is a resident at Belgrade, known for her friendliness and sociability. She is part of the social circle that includes Tyler and Jenna, navigating dorm life with ease. Casey's character is defined by her outgoing nature and ability to connect with others, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging.
Shea
Shea is a classmate of Kennedy's who offers friendship and support. Her presence provides Kennedy with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to open up. Shea's character is marked by her warmth and approachability, highlighting the importance of friendship in Kennedy's journey.
Josh
Josh is a colleague of Millie's who represents stability and professionalism. His interactions with Millie reveal her internal conflict and the complexities of navigating personal and professional relationships. Josh's character serves as a catalyst for Millie's self-discovery and growth.
Plot Devices
Dorm Life Dynamics
The dorm setting at Belgrade serves as a microcosm of college life, highlighting the social hierarchies and relationships among students. This environment provides a backdrop for character interactions and development, revealing the complexities of navigating college life.
Financial Disparities
The theme of financial disparities is explored through characters' discussions about money, scholarships, and spending habits. This plot device underscores the economic differences among students and their impact on relationships and opportunities.
Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping serves as a plot device that reveals hidden truths and connections among characters. Kennedy's clandestine listening provides insight into the social dynamics of the dorm, highlighting her search for understanding and belonging.
Friendship and Connection
The theme of friendship and connection is central to the narrative, highlighting the importance of support systems in overcoming personal challenges. Kennedy's friendship with Shea and Millie's interactions with Agatha and Josh illustrate the transformative power of relationships in shaping identity and personal growth.
Ethical Dilemmas
Agatha's ethical dilemma serves as a key plot device, exploring the complexities of personal and professional boundaries. Her relationship with Millie prompts a crisis of conscience, highlighting themes of responsibility, integrity, and the impact of personal choices on professional life.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
The narrative explores themes of personal growth and self-discovery as characters navigate challenges and gain insights. Millie's journey of self-discovery, Kennedy's search for belonging, and Agatha's reflection on her actions all illustrate the theme of personal evolution and the courage to embrace change.
Analysis
"Come and Get It" by Kiley Reid delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and personal growth. Through the intertwined lives of Agatha, Millie, and Kennedy, the narrative explores themes of independence, resilience, and the transformative power of relationships. The dorm setting serves as a microcosm of social dynamics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of college life. Financial disparities and ethical dilemmas underscore the impact of personal choices on professional life, while the theme of friendship and connection illustrates the importance of support systems in overcoming personal challenges. The book offers a nuanced exploration of self-discovery and the courage to embrace change, providing readers with insights into the complexities of identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world.
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Questions & Answers
What is Come and Get It about?
- Intertwined lives collide: The novel follows the lives of Agatha, a visiting professor researching weddings; Millie, a driven RA with dreams of homeownership; and Kennedy, a transfer student struggling to find her place, as their paths intersect in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
- Exploration of ambition and identity: The story delves into the characters' personal ambitions, financial realities, and evolving identities, set against the backdrop of a college town and its social dynamics.
- Subtle power dynamics: The narrative explores the subtle power dynamics between the characters, revealing how their interactions shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Why should I read Come and Get It?
- Sharp social commentary: Kiley Reid offers a keen and often humorous observation of contemporary culture, class, and race through the lens of college life and personal relationships.
- Complex character studies: The novel presents nuanced and flawed characters, each grappling with their own ambitions, insecurities, and ethical dilemmas, making them relatable and compelling.
- Thought-provoking themes: The story explores themes of ambition, identity, financial disparities, and the complexities of human connection, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives.
What is the background of Come and Get It?
- Contemporary college setting: The novel is set in the present day at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, a college town with its own unique culture and social dynamics.
- Exploration of class and race: The story delves into the subtle ways that class and race influence the characters' experiences and interactions, highlighting the complexities of social hierarchies in a college environment.
- Personal and professional tensions: The narrative explores the tensions between personal ambitions and professional responsibilities, particularly for Agatha and Millie, as they navigate their careers and personal lives.
What are the most memorable quotes in Come and Get It?
- "Ain't nobody else live this way.": This quote, spoken by Robin, encapsulates her disregard for financial planning and her unique approach to life, highlighting the tension between her and Agatha's values.
- "You're gonna go back to Arkansas and you're going to have a real senior year.": Glory's forceful statement to Millie underscores her desire for her daughter to experience a full college life, revealing the complex mother-daughter dynamic.
- "I'm not saying it like it's a bad thing.": This phrase, used by Tyler when describing Millie as "ghetto," reveals the subtle ways in which language and stereotypes are used to categorize and judge others.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Kiley Reid use?
- Character-driven narrative: Reid focuses on the inner lives and motivations of her characters, using their perspectives to drive the plot and explore complex themes.
- Sharp, realistic dialogue: The novel features authentic and often humorous dialogue that captures the nuances of contemporary speech and social interactions, revealing character traits and relationships.
- Subtle social commentary: Reid uses subtle details and observations to comment on class, race, and cultural norms, prompting readers to reflect on their own biases and assumptions.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- The sunstone ring: Agatha's sunstone ring, initially just a piece of jewelry, becomes a point of connection and observation, highlighting the characters' perceptions of wealth and style.
- The Haribo Peaches: Millie's love for Haribo Peaches, a seemingly trivial detail, reveals her hidden indulgences and her attempts to balance her healthy lifestyle with her cravings.
- The laminated card: Peyton's laminated card with emergency contacts and allergies reveals her over-parented background and her need for structure and control.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- The "ghetto" comment: Tyler's casual use of the word "ghetto" to describe Millie foreshadows the later conflict and reveals the characters' unconscious biases and prejudices.
- The mention of the "practice paycheck": Jenna's description of her allowance as a "practice paycheck" foreshadows the later revelation of her parents' financial expectations and her own sense of entitlement.
- The recurring mention of the "two-finger test": Agatha's initial mention of the "two-finger test" for soil moisture foreshadows her later, more intimate, interactions with Millie, highlighting the blurring of professional and personal boundaries.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- Millie and Agatha's shared experience: Both Millie and Agatha have a shared experience of being "othered" in their respective environments, which creates a subtle bond between them.
- Tyler and Peyton's unlikely alliance: Despite their different personalities, Tyler and Peyton form an unexpected alliance, revealing the complexities of social dynamics and the potential for connection in unexpected places.
- Kennedy and Agatha's indirect connection: Kennedy's admiration for Agatha's book and her eventual presence in Agatha's life, though indirect, highlights the impact of art and ideas on personal journeys.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Aimee Pearson: As the housing director, Aimee plays a crucial role in Millie's life, offering both support and challenges, and highlighting the complexities of professional relationships.
- Colette Whistler: As Millie's RA partner, Colette provides a contrasting perspective and a source of both humor and insight, revealing the complexities of friendship and shared experiences.
- Ryland Pentecost: As another RA, Ryland's flamboyant personality and unique perspective add depth to the narrative, highlighting the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the dorm setting.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Agatha's desire for connection: Beneath her academic exterior, Agatha seeks genuine connection and validation, which is evident in her interactions with Millie and her interest in the students' lives.
- Millie's need for control: Millie's ambition and drive stem from a need for control and stability, a response to her upbringing and her desire to create a secure future for herself.
- Kennedy's longing for acceptance: Kennedy's isolation and her desire to be seen and accepted by her peers drive her actions, highlighting her vulnerability and her search for belonging.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Agatha's internal conflict: Agatha struggles with her past relationship and her desire for independence, leading to a complex internal conflict between her personal and professional life.
- Millie's perfectionism and anxiety: Millie's drive for success is coupled with a deep-seated anxiety about failure and a need to control her environment, revealing her vulnerability beneath her capable exterior.
- Kennedy's social anxiety and self-doubt: Kennedy's struggles with social anxiety and self-doubt highlight her internal battles as she navigates a new environment and seeks to find her place.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Agatha's realization of her feelings for Millie: Agatha's growing attraction to Millie and the subsequent kiss force her to confront her own desires and the ethical implications of her actions.
- Millie's discovery of the Teen Vogue article: Millie's discovery of the Teen Vogue article and her portrayal in it leads to a sense of betrayal and a reevaluation of her relationship with Agatha.
- Kennedy's breakdown and subsequent healing: Kennedy's breakdown and hospitalization mark a turning point in her journey, forcing her to confront her past and begin the process of healing and self-acceptance.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Agatha and Millie's shifting power dynamic: The relationship between Agatha and Millie evolves from a professional connection to a more personal and complex dynamic, marked by shifting power dynamics and unspoken desires.
- Kennedy and Shea's tentative friendship: Kennedy's friendship with Shea offers her a sense of belonging and support, highlighting the transformative power of connection in overcoming isolation.
- Millie, Ryland, and Colette's complex bond: The friendship between Millie, Ryland, and Colette is marked by humor, support, and subtle tensions, revealing the complexities of navigating shared experiences and individual differences.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- The nature of Agatha and Millie's relationship: The novel leaves the future of Agatha and Millie's relationship ambiguous, prompting readers to consider the complexities of their connection and the potential for future interactions.
- The long-term impact of the events on Kennedy: The novel leaves Kennedy's future open-ended, prompting readers to consider the long-term impact of her experiences and her potential for growth and healing.
- The ethical implications of Agatha's actions: The novel leaves the ethical implications of Agatha's actions open to interpretation, prompting readers to consider the complexities of power dynamics and personal responsibility.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Come and Get It?
- The power dynamics between Agatha and Millie: The relationship between Agatha and Millie raises questions about power dynamics, consent, and the ethical responsibilities of a professor towards a student.
- The portrayal of race and class: The novel's portrayal of race and class, particularly through the characters' language and actions, can be interpreted in different ways, prompting debate about the author's intent and the complexities of social commentary.
- The use of "ghetto" and other loaded terms: The characters' use of terms like "ghetto" and "tacky" raises questions about the impact of language and stereotypes, prompting readers to consider the complexities of cultural appropriation and social judgment.
Come and Get It Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Agatha's departure and self-reflection: Agatha's decision to leave Arkansas and her subsequent self-reflection highlight the complexities of personal growth and the need to confront one's own biases and actions.
- Millie's uncertain future and resilience: Millie's uncertain future and her determination to pursue her dreams underscore the importance of resilience and the courage to navigate life's challenges.
- Kennedy's path to healing and self-acceptance: Kennedy's journey towards healing and self-acceptance highlights the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of support systems in overcoming personal struggles. The ending emphasizes the ongoing nature of personal growth and the complexities of navigating identity and belonging.
Review Summary
Come and Get It received mixed reviews. Some praised Reid's character development, dialogue, and social commentary on race, class, and money. Others found it plotless and lacking substance. Many felt the book was character-driven but struggled to connect with the characters. The campus setting and Reid's observational skills were appreciated. Some readers found the ending abrupt and unsatisfying. Overall, opinions were divided, with some loving the book's subtlety and others finding it disappointing compared to Reid's debut.
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