Student Question
Is the ending of My Sister's Keeper happy or sad, and how does it impact the kidney donation issue?
Quick answer:
The ending of My Sister's Keeper is bittersweet, impacting the kidney donation issue significantly. Anna's unexpected death from a car accident resolves the dilemma as her kidney is used to save her sister Kate's life. This turn of events evokes mixed emotions of relief for Kate's survival and sadness for Anna's tragic fate. In the epilogue, Kate reflects on her enduring connection to Anna, highlighting the family's struggle with guilt and loss.
The ending of Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper is bittersweet. Anna and her lawyer, Campbell, are in a serious car accident, and Anna has irreversible brain damage. This comes as a shock for most readers because for the entire book it seems inevitable that Kate will die and that Anna will be fine. However, Anna’s death resolves Kate’s need for a kidney. As she is dying, her parents ask Campbell to approve the kidney donation, and he does. So Anna’s final act is saving her sister’s life. This prompts the reader to feel many complex emotions, including relief for Kate and surprise and sadness about Anna.
In the epilogue, Kate reflects on the horrible aftermath of this time. She explains how hard it was for her family to grapple with Anna’s death and the guilt surrounding everything that Anna went through in her short life. Kate also reflects on the way she carries a part of Anna inside her and how she will always be connected to Anna because of this.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.