Rosemary’s Identity as a Mother

This flow follows Rosemary’s movement from imagined motherhood through bodily violation and grief to a maternal bond she chooses despite the truth about Andrew.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Planned Family

A Future Imagined Maternal Desire Rosemary hopes to have three children and imagines arranging a nursery. Motherhood represents a stable, loving future she wants to build with Guy. Unequal Readiness Guy postpones the decision until his career seems more promising. Rosemary’s hopes therefore depend on his willingness as well as her own.

A Violated Beginning

Conception Without Consent Lost Consciousness Rosemary is drugged, disoriented, and unable to understand what is happening as Guy removes her clothes. Her dream turns the assault into an apparently ceremonial nightmare. The Morning After Guy admits that he had sex with her while she was unconscious. The pregnancy that follows begins not in shared choice but in a violation Rosemary struggles to name.

The Child Named in Hope

An Imagined Person Names and Possibilities Rosemary thinks of Andrew, Susan, and other names, picturing the embryo as a developing child. The pregnancy gives her a new sense of purpose and belonging. Love Before Knowledge She plans for safety, nutrition, and a nursery. Her tenderness is genuine even though the circumstances of conception remain hidden from her.

A False Bereavement

The Reported Death A Story of Complications Guy and Abraham Sapirstein tell Rosemary that the baby died during a difficult birth. They insist that he was normal and promise she can have other children. Grief Under Control Rosemary accuses them of lying but is sedated. The group uses medical language and medication to make her mourn a child they have not actually lost.

Motherhood Chosen

A Bond Beyond Origins The Child Revealed Rosemary sees Andrew’s unusual eyes and learns that Satan is his father. The revelation horrifies her and threatens the ordinary future she imagined. Her Own Name for Him She rocks him, loosens his clothes, and calls him Andrew John Woodhouse. Her choice does not erase the danger, but it makes motherhood an act of compassion rather than obedience.

Before October, while Rosemary and Guy discuss children

October 4, after the evening meal

Late October, after the pregnancy test

June 25, after Rosemary wakes from labor

June 25, after Rosemary finds Andrew