Brotherhood Dynamics and Challenges

Questions and Answers

Who trained the narrator?

Brother Hambro

Who holds the most powerful position in the brotherhood?

Brother Jack

What position did the narrator occupy currently?

Chief spokesman of the brotherhood

What was the narrator forced to accept when he was promoted?

He was very tied to the discipline of the brotherhood Signup and view all the answers

What is the promotion of the narrator possibly foreshadowing?

He would be falsely accused by Brother Wrestroom in the future. Wrestroom was envious of his position. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the headquarters of the brotherhood?

An old church Signup and view all the answers

Why is Brother Clifton wounded with a bondage?

Violent action between him and Ras the Exhorter Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ras the Exhorter?

A black nationalist Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief of Ras?

Black power. African Americans should not be working with whites. Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator propose to do in the activity?

A campaign against eviction Signup and view all the answers

Why is the narrator inspired to give a speech on the street?

He remembered the scene he witnessed when he arrived in Harlem for the first time. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the speaker of the speech when the narrator was an audience?

Ras the Exhorter Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief of the brotherhood?

Non-violence and working with white people when it is necessary Signup and view all the answers

Who was the special audience during the narrator's speech?

Ras the Exhorter Signup and view all the answers

What time was the speech planned?

In the evening Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolism of a speech at night?

Black rights are not the main focus of contemporary society and are usually ignored. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Ras the Exhorter showed up?

A fist fight broke out between him and Brother Clifton Signup and view all the answers

What weapon did Ras pull out?

A knife Signup and view all the answers

What is Ras's attitude toward Brother Clifton?

He was hesitant to kill Clifton because Clifton was black as well. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ras say to Clifton?

He offered Clifton to join him Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator tell Ras?

The brotherhood will be giving speeches every night Signup and view all the answers

What did Clifton do to Ras in revenge?

He smacked Ras down, bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the attitude from Clifton and the narrator toward Ras?

They thought Ras was crazy Signup and view all the answers

What did the brotherhood do on Sunday?

They organized a parade in the street Signup and view all the answers

What is the poster that was hung in the narrator's office?

Frederick Douglass's picture Signup and view all the answers

Why is the narrator still confused at the end of the chapter?

The remaining words of his grandpa challenged the practice of the brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general purpose of the chapter (briefly)?

It continued the foreshadowing in Chapter 16 and hinted at why the narrator broke up with the brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Their Roles

Brother Hambro trained the narrator, guiding him within the organization.
Brother Jack serves as the most powerful figure in the Brotherhood, exercising significant control over its operations.
The narrator is currently the Chief Spokesman of the Brotherhood, a prestigious position reflecting his influence.

Promotions and Challenges

Upon promotion, the narrator had to strictly adhere to the Brotherhood's discipline, which imposed limitations on his autonomy.
The narrator's promotion may foreshadow future conflict, as Brother Wrestroom, envious of his status, will falsely accuse him later.

Brotherhood Headquarters and Activities

The headquarters of the Brotherhood is located in an old church, representing its historical and community roots.
The narrator proposes a campaign against eviction, highlighting his commitment to social justice and activism.

Conflicts and Ideologies

Brother Clifton suffers wounds from a violent encounter with Ras the Exhorter, showcasing the tensions between different factions.
Ras the Exhorter is a black nationalist who advocates for black power, believing African Americans should not collaborate with whites.

Speech and Public Engagement

Inspired to speak in public, the narrator recalls the moment he first arrived in Harlem, which motivates his activism.
The speech is scheduled for the evening, symbolizing that the rights of Black individuals are often overlooked in society.

Violence and Struggle

A fight erupts between Ras the Exhorter and Brother Clifton when Ras arrives, escalating the existing tensions.
Ras pulls a knife during the confrontation, indicating the volatility of the situation and his antagonism toward Clifton.

Interactions and Tensions

Despite his aggression, Ras hesitates to harm Clifton due to their shared racial identity.
Clifton retaliates against Ras out of frustration and anger, further escalating hostilities.

Brotherhood’s Stance and Events

The Brotherhood promotes non-violence and cooperation with white individuals when necessary, contrasting with Ras's ideology.
The Brotherhood organizes a parade on Sunday, demonstrating their community-focused initiatives.

Symbolism and Emotional Conflict

A picture of Frederick Douglass hangs in the narrator's office, symbolizing the historical fight for equality and justice.
The narrator is left confused by the end of the chapter, as his grandfather's words challenge the Brotherhood's practices, setting the stage for future introspection and conflict.

Themes and Conclusions

This chapter continues to foreshadow the narrator's eventual disillusionment with the Brotherhood and hints at the complexities of identity, loyalty, and social struggle.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate relationships and power struggles within the Brotherhood, as represented through key characters like Brother Hambro and Brother Jack. This quiz delves into the narrator's rise as Chief Spokesman, the challenges he faces, and the organization's social justice initiatives. Test your understanding of the ideologies and conflicts that shape their actions.