Middlesex Book 3, Chapter 10 Summary

How It All Goes Down

The Gun on the Wall

  • The next morning, Jerome tells Calliope, "I'm really into you" (3.10.24).
  • She's all "I don't like you like that" (3.10.32), though, and he leaves.
  • The Object spends the day hanging out with Rex, and Calliope spends the day feeling alone.
  • That night, however, the Object crawls into bed with Calliope. Calliope pulls the sheets off her and kisses her; then she takes her underpants off. "The Object lifted her hips, very slightly, to make it easier for me. This was her only contribution" (3.10.48).
  • They spend each night like this: the Object pretending to be asleep while Calliope explores both of their bodies further.
  • Finally, they start exploring each other while they're awake.
  • Unfortunately, one day Jerome catches Calliope like Tom Thumb with his sister playing the role of the plum.
  • He calls them "Carpet munchers" (3.10.93) because he's classy.
  • Calliope attacks him and spits in his face, and then she runs.
  • In her tumult she runs right into a tractor, waking up later in the backseat of a car.
  • The farmer drives her to the emergency room.
  • When doctors remove Calliope's underwear to examine her, they discover that her sex is a lot more complicated than anyone ever suspected.