Summary and Analysis
Part II:
Chapter 25
The unusual vulnerability of Miss Foley is exposed when Bradbury tells us that she has noticed that her house, once crowded with warm and youthful images of herself, contains new, puzzling mirror images of an old woman. She decides that it is best to ignore the cold sheets of mirrors, like ice, in the hall, in the bath, and over the bureaus because she cannot face the reality that she is growing old. The Carnival mirror maze and the carousel are particularly alluring to her, offering her a promise of youth that she desires so intensely. At this point, she views Will and Jim as deterrents to a second visit to the Carnival and a ride backward on its carousel. In an attempt to prevent the boys from foiling her plan, she makes an appointment with Mr. Halloway to report the boys' theft to him and to the police.