58 pages 1 hour read

Peter Hedges

What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1991

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Part 6-Part 7

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 6, Chapter 54 Summary

Gilbert stays up talking to Becky and then drives her home. He is still on the porch when Larry arrives early the next morning. Gilbert helps Larry carry 18 presents for Arnie into the house. When the time for the party arrives, Gilbert knocks on the bathroom door to inform his mother. She tells him that she was angry at God for years, but she forgives him because he allowed her to live to see Arnie turn 18.

Bonnie stands at the back door and watches the party unfold. When cake is served, Arnie eats only frosting and tries to steal a friend’s frosting. Larry just stands by and watches as Gilbert settles the dispute, but Larry gets the hug afterward. Arnie opens his presents, including a train set from Larry. Amy asks Gilbert if it’s a good party, and he agrees.

Part 6, Chapter 55 Summary

Gilbert again reassures Amy that the party is good. Later, she tells him Arnie wants to go to Burger Barn for dinner, and the family makes its way to the restaurant in three different cars. When Gilbert arrives, everyone is already seated at the back of the restaurant. Tucker makes a big show of assigning a single server to them.