Rick and Helen’s Separation

Klara and the Sun

Helen struggles to release Rick into adult life, even as she actively seeks the education that could separate them.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Homebound Son A Homebound Son from "Klara and the Sun". Dependence and Care Helen’s Condition Rick lives with his mother, who is not always well and has stopped driving.

A Homebound Son from "Klara and the Sun". Dependence and Care Helen’s Condition Rick lives with his mother, who is not always well and has stopped driving.

Dependence and Care Helen’s Condition Rick lives with his mother, who is not always well and has stopped driving. He takes responsibility for the home and worries about leaving her. A Constrained Future Helen sees that Rick has talent and could apply to Atlas Brookings. Rick resists, believing departure would abandon her.

Helen’s Request Helen’s Request from "Klara and the Sun". Seeking Help A Tutor Needed Helen asks Klara to help Rick with old textbooks, explaining that suitable tutors are difficult to find.

Helen’s Request from "Klara and the Sun". Seeking Help A Tutor Needed Helen asks Klara to help Rick with old textbooks, explaining that suitable tutors are difficult to find.

Seeking Help A Tutor Needed Helen asks Klara to help Rick with old textbooks, explaining that suitable tutors are difficult to find. She believes he needs guidance to have a real chance at college. A Deeper Obstacle She admits the main barrier is Rick’s belief that he cannot leave her. Her request asks Klara to influence Josie, the person most likely to persuade him.

Rick’s Promise Rick’s Promise from "Klara and the Sun". A Step Toward Leaving A Change of Mind Rick tells Klara he will try his best to gain admission and will meet Helen’s contact.

Rick’s Promise from "Klara and the Sun". A Step Toward Leaving A Change of Mind Rick tells Klara he will try his best to gain admission and will meet Helen’s contact.

A Step Toward Leaving A Change of Mind Rick tells Klara he will try his best to gain admission and will meet Helen’s contact. The decision answers Helen’s request, though not without reluctance. A Complicated Hope Klara believes the choice may preserve the possibility of a shared future with Josie. Rick’s promise also starts loosening his sense that he must remain solely responsible for his mother.

The Vance Meeting The Vance Meeting from "Klara and the Sun". Help Entangled with the Past An Application Interview Rick presents his drone work to Vance, who chairs the college’s Founders’ Committee.

The Vance Meeting from "Klara and the Sun". Help Entangled with the Past An Application Interview Rick presents his drone work to Vance, who chairs the college’s Founders’ Committee.

Help Entangled with the Past An Application Interview Rick presents his drone work to Vance, who chairs the college’s Founders’ Committee. Vance initially responds with interest and tests Rick’s merits. Helen’s Appeal Helen admits she is asking for a favor and confronts Vance about their former relationship. The old romance overwhelms the practical request, and Vance leaves without a clear answer.

Different Lives Different Lives from "Klara and the Sun". Independence Without Resolution New Work Rick develops his projects and spends more time in the city. He no longer pursues the same path as Josie.

Different Lives from "Klara and the Sun". Independence Without Resolution New Work Rick develops his projects and spends more time in the city. He no longer pursues the same path as Josie.

Independence Without Resolution New Work Rick develops his projects and spends more time in the city. He no longer pursues the same path as Josie. A Changed Relationship His mother’s hopes for college and separation do not resolve into the future she imagined. Rick’s adult life becomes more independent, while his concern for Helen remains part of him.

when Klara first visits Rick’s house

during Klara’s first visit to Rick’s house

after the first barn journey

the evening of the theater gathering

in the years after Josie recovers