Banjo · Chapter
XIX: Lonesome Blue Again explained
Ray, preparing to leave the Ditch, encounters Lonesome Blue, who has been imprisoned again for violating the expulsion order.
What happens
Ray, preparing to leave the Ditch, encounters Lonesome Blue, who has been imprisoned again for violating the expulsion order. Ray's attempts to help Lonesome through the American consulate are met with bureaucratic indifference and hostility. Ray's frustration with Lonesome's helplessness and the officials' cruelty deepens, reinforcing his desire to leave. He decides to depart that evening, but before he can have a farewell drink with his friends, he learns from Malty that Banjo has been taken suddenly ill and is dying.
Themes in this chapter
Alienation and Modernity
Ray's sense of alienation from the Ditch and his desire to preserve its memory before it palls on him. Lonesome Blue's utter isolation and helplessness in the face of bureaucratic systems.
Displacement and Homelessness
Lonesome Blue's repeated imprisonment and expulsion, his lack of a home or country, and his physical deterioration. Ray's own transient existence as a beachcomber.
Community and Comradeship
Ray's reflections on the warmth and camaraderie of the beach boys, which made the Ditch beautiful. His farewell intentions and the news of Banjo's illness highlight the bonds between them.
Characters to notice
- Ray
Decides to leave the Ditch, feeling the place has lost its charm. He tries to help Lonesome Blue but is frustrated by bureaucracy and Lonesome's own stupidity. He ultimately plans to leave that evening.
- Lonesome Blue
Found in a deteriorated state, having been imprisoned again for violating expulsion laws. He is helpless, ill, and rejected by consular officials. He spends his money on drink with other outcasts.
- Banjo
Not present in the chapter but is the subject of Ray's thoughts and advice. At the end, Ray learns Banjo is suddenly ill and dying.
- Malty Avis
Meets Ray in Bum Square and informs him that Banjo has been taken suddenly ill and is dying.
Key passages
“Everything works out to a change.”
Banjo's saying that life is always changing.
Ray reflects on this as he considers leaving the Ditch.
“That’s where I get plugged up for fooling with Christian charity.”
Ray blames his trust in the Seamen's Mission for the loss of his manuscripts.
He regrets leaving his work with the mission's manager.
“I’d drink up the last franc with Banjo, but not you.”
Ray tells Lonesome he would share his last money with Banjo but not with him.
Ray expresses his disgust with Lonesome's behavior.
“Come on, nigger, and join the gang and quit playing youse a white man because you got a little book larnin’.”
Lonesome mockingly invites Ray to drink with him, accusing him of acting superior due to his education.
This insult confirms Ray's decision to leave.