Themes and Highlights from Chapter 14-15

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Questions and Answers

Why is Mary cooking cabbage in Chapter 14?

Money is tight

What fault does Emma find with the narrator?

He isn't black enough

For whom does the Brotherhood claim to work?

The socially oppressed

After whom does the narrator say he wants to pattern himself?

The founder Signup and view all the answers

What does the unnamed man at the park ask the narrator to do?

Sing (spiritual songs) Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the narrator's dance with Emma?

The veteran doctor told the narrator he would dance with a white woman Signup and view all the answers

What awakens the narrator in Chapter 15?

People banging on the steam line because there is no heat Signup and view all the answers

What object does Mary own that the narrator finds offensive?

A bank in the shape of a black figurine Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does Mary make regarding the source of the $100 given to her by the narrator?

That he got it by playing the lottery Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator try to hide the figurine from Mary?

He broke it by banging it to tell people to shut up Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator accused of when he tries to dispose of the figurine?

A drug deal Signup and view all the answers

With what animal does the narrator compare Brother Jack?

A toy bull terrier Signup and view all the answers

Why is the narrator unable to see his audience when he gives his speech to the arena?

He is blinded by lights Signup and view all the answers

Why do certain members of the Brotherhood consider the narrator's speech unsatisfactory?

It was too emotional Signup and view all the answers

How does the audience react to the narrator's speech?

They loved it; resonates with them Signup and view all the answers

What time of the day does Brother Jack meet the narrator in the beginning of Chapter 17?

Midnight Signup and view all the answers

Brother Jack wants the narrator to avoid underestimating what?

The disciple of the organization Signup and view all the answers

What does Brother Tod Clifton do?

The Brotherhood's most tireless defender against the repeated attacks of Ras the Exhorter Signup and view all the answers

To what does Ras the Exhorter primarily object?

Represents the nationalistic view of the African American. Major concern is nation-building for the Black American Signup and view all the answers

The narrator wants to learn everything he can about the Brotherhood in order to...

Gain power Signup and view all the answers

Whose words does the narrator contemplate as proof that he can have two identities and still be successful?

His grandfather's Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 14 Highlights

Mary cooks cabbage due to financial constraints, illustrating economic struggles.
Emma critiques the narrator for not embodying enough aspects of Black identity.

Brotherhood Themes

The Brotherhood claims to advocate for the socially oppressed, indicating a stance for equality.
The narrator aspires to emulate the founder, seeking to align with the group's purpose.

Narrator's Experiences

An unnamed man in the park requests the narrator to sing spiritual songs, connecting to community and culture.
Ironic moment arises when the narrator dances with Emma despite a doctor's prediction about dancing with a white woman.

Chapter 15 Key Events

The narrator is awakened by people banging on the steam line due to the lack of heat, depicting living conditions.
Mary owns a bank shaped like a Black figurine, which the narrator finds offensive, highlighting racial stereotypes.
The narrator tries to hide the broken figurine to avoid complications after damaging it while trying to quiet others.

Accusations and Comparisons

When disposing of the figurine, the narrator faces an accusation of drug dealing, showcasing societal prejudices.
Brother Jack is humorously compared to a toy bull terrier, suggesting a perception of his character.

Speech and Reactions

The narrator cannot see his audience during his speech due to intense lighting, emphasizing isolation.
Some Brotherhood members deem the narrator's speech unsatisfactory for being overly emotional, highlighting differing perspectives on expression.
Despite criticisms, the audience is enthusiastic about his speech, showing a collective resonance with his message.

Chapter 17 Developments

Brother Jack meets the narrator at midnight, signaling the secretive and urgent nature of their discussions.
Jack advises the narrator not to underestimate the disciples of the organization, stressing internal dynamics.
Brother Tod Clifton is recognized as a key advocate for the Brotherhood, fighting against Ras the Exhorter's movements.

Ras the Exhorter's Opposition

Ras primarily objects to the Brotherhood's approach, prioritizing a nationalistic perspective focused on Black empowerment and nation-building.

Narrator's Ambitions

The narrator seeks comprehensive knowledge of the Brotherhood as a means of gaining power and influence within the organization.
He reflects on his grandfather's words as evidence that one can possess dual identities and achieve success, a complex personal reflection on identity.

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Description

Explore significant themes and events from Chapters 14 and 15 of the novel. This quiz highlights economic struggles, identity issues, and the complex experiences of the narrator within cultural contexts. Test your understanding of the characters and their interactions while reflecting on broader societal themes.