We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Cat's Cradle Chapter 74 Summary

Cat's Cradle

  • John heads to Frank's house in San Lorenzo's one taxi.
  • Frank isn't there, but he's expected any moment. We'll just let you know now to get comfortable. Frank's arrival is going to take a while.
  • Stanley, Frank's manservant, gives John the customary tour and informs John that Newt is home but Angela has gone sightseeing.
  • John finds Newt asleep on the terrace. Next to him is a painting that "consist[s] of scratches made in a black, gummy, impasto" (74.13).
  • Oh, sounds avant-garde.
  • The five o'clock cannon goes off. It wakes up Newt, who is half asleep and accidently rubs paint all over his face.
  • John tells Newt he likes his painting, and Newt tells him it's a cat's cradle. It's like one of those 3-D pictures; you've got to stare at it before you see it.
  • Newt mentions how its no wonder kids grow up crazy being told a bunch of lines and Xs are a cat in a cradle.