Babel Chapters 29–31 Summary & Analysis

Summary: Chapters 29–31

Chapter 29

Inside the tower, morale declines as the strike becomes monotonous. They send out an ultimatum, calling on Parliament to meet their demands for amnesty and bring an end to the impending war or else watch Westminster Bridge fall. Though Victoire is furious with Robin's decision to let the bridge collapse, they nonetheless find solace in their friendship. They begrudgingly discuss Letty. Victoire says that loving her had been a difficult cycle as Victoire had held out hope against all odds that Letty would finally open her eyes and understand. Robin observes that there were always cracks in her surface and her betrayal was inevitable. He thinks Letty killed Ramy on purpose because she loved him and he did not love her back. Victoire produces the old portrait of their cohort and Robin is overcome with grief. Victoire thinks of how alone and betrayed Letty must feel.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim starts chronicling a full history of everything that has happened inside the tower since the strike began. Should they fail, they won't be widely hailed as heroes or martyrs and he wants there to be at least one record telling the truth. Robin reflects on how difficult it is to fight against mainstream accounts of history that erase opposition.

Violence breaks out in the streets and Abel and his men only narrowly hold their ground. Yusuf drafts a treaty that will grant them all amnesty if the government agrees to a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Robin cannot imagine his life going on without Ramy, Griffin, and the others.

Chapter 30

Westminster Bridge falls. The death toll has not been finalized but at least sixty-three people are dead. As one bystander observed, it felt like the wrath of God.

Chapter 31

After Westminster Bridge falls, Oxford breaks out into warfare. While the fighting had previously been lackluster, this time a civilian is shot. As things spiral out of control, the other strikers contemplate surrendering but Robin refuses. He believes that the city will back the strike now the Army has killed an innocent girl. Victoire looks at him strangely, knowing that the girl's death is not weighing on his conscience. Robin still wants more blood to be spilled.

Intense violence in the streets follows and Abel informs them that they need to surrender, as the barricades won't hold for much longer. The Army has announced plans to open fire at the protesters. Abel warns that if any of them would like to get out of the tower, now is the time. Robin says he will pass the warning along to the others but before he can, Letty approaches the tower, waving a white flag.

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