Big Little Lies

It is Christmas, and Madeline’s family opens their presents. Madeline’s eldest daughter, Abigail, however, is absent. She is spending time with Nathan, Bonnie, and her half-sister, Skye, another child in the same kindergarten class. Madeline laments that Abigail and Skye get along so well; their bond is stronger than what Abigail has with her other children, Chloe and Fred.

Nathan’s side of the family elects to spend Christmas helping at a homeless shelter, and again, Madeline wonders how Bonnie managed to change Nathan’s previously selfish behavior. Abigail texts Madeline, describing her time volunteering at the shelter as a “beautiful experience” (57). Madeline is flustered, as Abigail is normally lazy and complains about helping around the house. She vents her frustrations to Ed, who takes her side. Madeline feels some relief from Ed’s support and turns her attention to Chloe and Fred, who are still eager to embrace the more commercial and materialistic aspects of Christmas.

As the chapter ends, a statement from Harper provides another perspective on Madeline’s family dynamic. Harper says, despite Bonnie claiming everything was amicable, “I saw them at trivia night. I saw Bonnie throw her drink all over Madeline!” (58),