Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Over the weekend, and while in a strange mood, Eleanor buys makeup at Bobbi Brown. At work on Monday, she receives compliments for her new look from her coworkers. Raymond emails Eleanor to ask her to lunch at their “‘[u]sual place’” (173). They share a pleasant, playful conversation about the party and Raymond’s mum. Nearby, a baby starts to cry, and Eleanor is triggered by vague, unsettling memories. The baby calms down, and so does Eleanor. She declares she’s decided to take the promotion.

That night Eleanor’s Mummy calls off-schedule. She encourages Eleanor to keep pursuing the singer with haste, and Eleanor pledges that she will, despite her new obligations to others. Before hanging up, Mummy tells Eleanor she’s a “‘pointless waste of human tissue’” (178).

Johnnie Lomond tweets that he has parted ways with his band and chosen to go solo.  

That Wednesday, Eleanor’s Mummy calls on schedule again. Cursing, she yells at the other residents offstage throughout the phone call. Eleanor tells her about Keith’s party and her promotion. Her Mummy reacts with patronizing disdain and insists that Eleanor make haste in procuring her a “‘normal’” son-in-law (181). Mummy hangs up with a parting shot about her daughter’s solitary lifestyle.