# XXIV: The Chauffeur’s Lot explained — Banjo

> Chapter companion for Banjo by Claude McKay.

## What happens

Ray, Banjo, and Goosey encounter Ray's chauffeur friend, who invites them to his suburban property. The outing reveals the chauffeur's lower-middle-class aspirations and his exploitation of young men. Later, at a bistro, the chauffeur harasses Latnah, who rebuffs him. An Arab woman, one of the chauffeur's former lovers, enters and shoots him dead. The chapter also includes an encounter with Sister Geter, an evangelist preaching in the streets, and a reunion with Jake, who is about to depart.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender and Sexuality

Latnah's defiance of the chauffeur's advances and the Arab woman's violent response to his exploitation highlight gendered power dynamics and resistance.

### Alienation and Modernity

The chauffeur's suburban lot, a symbol of modern lower-middle-class life, contrasts with the transient, rootless existence of the main characters.

### Community and Comradeship

The interactions among Ray, Banjo, Goosey, and Jake, and the shared moments in the bistro, underscore the bonds of friendship and solidarity.

## Character check-ins

### Ray

Accompanies the chauffeur to his suburban lot, reflecting on change and his altered feelings toward him. Reunites with Jake and Sister Geter.

### Banjo

Joins the outing to the chauffeur's place, mocks Goosey's souvenir dirt, and warns the chauffeur to leave Latnah alone.

### Latnah

Sits apart, still peeved at Banjo's departure. Rebuffs the chauffeur's advances, asserting her independence.

### Goosey

Collects a jar of French soil as a souvenir, expressing a sentimental attachment to the country.

### Jake

Reunites with Ray at the Seamen's Bar, excited about their meeting and planning to celebrate before departing.

### Sister Geter

Preaches in the streets, is moved along by police, and refuses to enter a bar, emphasizing her faith and message.

## Key lines

> They are all my boys. They do everything you want them to do. Steal, murder, love in all ways, lie, and spy.

The chauffeur boasts to Ray that the young men around him are completely subservient and will perform any task, including criminal and immoral acts.

_Reveals the chauffeur's exploitative control over the youths._

> Take you’ dirty hands off me and leave me alone.

Latnah firmly rejects the chauffeur's unwanted physical advances.

_Demonstrates Latnah's strength and refusal to be objectified._

> It’s the soil of France. I couldn’t make it, all right. I was outa luck, but I can always remember that I was here.

Goosey explains that the jar of earth is a memento of his time in France, a place where he failed but still wants to remember.

_Highlights Goosey's sentimental attachment to place and his sense of failure._

> I didn’t mean to kill him. … I didn’t mean to kill him.

The Arab woman, after shooting the chauffeur, cries out in distress, claiming the killing was unintentional.

_A moment of tragic violence and regret._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xxiv-the-chauffeur-s-lot
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/banjo_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/banjo_se/chapters