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

How It All Goes Down

  • 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.