Flight · Chapter
II explained
Mimi reflects on her stepmother Mary Robertson's impact on the Daquin family, contrasting her American efficiency with Jean's Creole pride.
What happens
Mimi reflects on her stepmother Mary Robertson's impact on the Daquin family, contrasting her American efficiency with Jean's Creole pride. The chapter recounts Mary's arrival, marriage to Jean, and the cultural tensions it caused. Mimi also recalls Jean's stories about their Creole ancestry and the legacy of the gens de couleur libre, as they prepare to leave New Orleans for Atlanta.
Themes in this chapter
Racial Identity and Passing
Jean warns Mimi about the challenges of being of mixed blood outside New Orleans, and the family's pride in their Creole and Negro ancestry.
Cultural Pride and Alienation
The Daquins' pride in their Creole heritage contrasts with Mary's outsider status and the family's alienation from mainstream American society.
Class and Materialism
Mary's practical, materialistic outlook contrasts with Jean's contentment with simple living and tradition.
Characters to notice
- Mimi Daquin
Reflects on her stepmother's influence and her own mixed feelings about leaving New Orleans.
- Jean Daquin
Shares family history and expresses reluctance about moving to Atlanta.
- Mrs. Daquin
Described as better armed for modern life, but an outsider to Creole society.
- Margot
Jean's first wife, remembered for her gentle guidance and the void her death left.
- Mr. Robertson
Mary's father, who opposed the marriage but later boasted of it.
Key passages
“She who was Mary Robertson of Chicago, American for many generations, was unencumbered with the hoary traditions which kept Jean with his pride of Creole ancestry content with his dreams.”
Mary, being American for generations, lacked the old traditions that made Jean content with his Creole pride and dreams.
Highlights the contrast between Mary's modernity and Jean's traditionalism.
“Into these quiet backwaters Mary Robertson had swept. Her coming had been like the digging of a channel that linked the sluggish bayou with the pellmell hurtling stream nearby.”
Mary's arrival was like a force that connected their stagnant life to the fast-moving outside world.
Metaphor for Mary's disruptive but transformative influence.
“He felt as though some malevolent power had inveigled him into a boat, rowed him far from shore and then deftly removed the bottom of the craft.”
Jean felt as if an evil force had tricked him into a boat, taken him far from shore, and then removed the bottom, leaving him helpless.
Describes Jean's panic and helplessness after Margot's death.
“Le pauvre Jean ,” they wailed, “grief and drink have weakened his understanding.”
They lamented that grief and alcohol had impaired Jean's judgment.
Shows the community's pity and criticism of Jean's remarriage.