Study Guide

We Need to Talk About Kevin Chapter 4: December 2, 2000

By Lionel Shriver

Chapter 4: December 2, 2000

Eva tells Franklin about meeting him, as if he wasn't there.
Eva is American, but she's a real snooty American, and she never imagined marrying another American, especially one who—are you sitting down?—likes McDonald's.
Eva's letter transitions from the past to the present.
Eva has returned from visiting Kevin in the Claverack Juvenile Correctional Facility.
Kevin tells Eva about a new murdering kid who showed up in the jail.
But Kevin feels superior to the other kid, because Kevin feels like his crime was more masterful. "I knew exactly what I was doing," he says, "And I'd do it again" (4.35). All that's missing is a cape and a supervillain chortle.
When Eva leaves, Kevin tells her to not come back, because he hates her.
"I often hate you, too, Kevin" (4.43), Eva says. Whoa, you go, mama Eva.