The Cyclical Nature of Evil

The novel shows how evil perpetuates itself through secrets, power, and the inability to break free from destructive patterns.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Secret Passed On

A Legacy of Horror Stanny B. to Jud Stanny Bouchard tells Jud about the Micmac burying ground. Jud uses it for his dog. The secret is passed on. Jud to Louis Jud tells Louis about the place. Louis uses it for Church and then for Gage. The cycle continues. The Pattern Each generation discovers the secret and is corrupted by it. The evil is perpetuated by human weakness.

Louis's Final Act

The Cycle Continues Rachel's Body Louis takes Rachel's body to the burying ground. He intends to resurrect her. He has not learned from Gage's return. The Return Rachel's zombie returns and touches Louis's shoulder. The cycle of horror is renewed. No Escape The novel ends with the implication that the evil will continue. Louis is now part of the cycle. The secret will be passed on again.

over generations

end of the novel