# III explained — Flight

> Chapter companion for Flight by Walter White.

## What happens

The Daquins adjust to Atlanta society. Mrs. Daquin insists on being called 'Mrs. Daquin' to avoid seeming like outsiders. They receive formal calls, including from the Hunters. Mrs. Hunter is cordial but reveals her ignorance of opera and her prejudice when she learns that Jean and Mimi are Catholic. Mrs. Daquin suggests they hide their religion to fit in, but Jean refuses, and Mimi supports him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Mrs. Hunter's reaction to the Daquins' Catholicism reveals prejudice within the Black community, and Mrs. Daquin's suggestion to hide their faith highlights hypocrisy.

### Class and Materialism

Mrs. Daquin's eagerness to gain social standing in Atlanta, and Mrs. Hunter's emphasis on 'the right people' reflect class consciousness.

### Cultural Pride and Alienation

Jean's refusal to give up his Catholic faith despite social pressure shows cultural pride, while the Daquins' outsider status in Atlanta creates alienation.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Daquin

Insists on being called 'Mrs. Daquin' to avoid seeming like outsiders; eager to gain favor with Mrs. Hunter; suggests hiding their Catholic faith to fit into Atlanta society.

### Mimi Daquin

Dislikes her stepmother's fawning behavior; proud of her father's stand on religion; feels uncomfortable when Mrs. Hunter inspects them.

### Jean Daquin

Refuses to hide his Catholic faith; stands up to Mrs. Daquin's suggestion; appreciates Mimi's support.

### Mrs. Hunter

Cordial but reveals ignorance of opera and prejudice against Catholics; invites Mrs. Daquin to the Fleur-de-Lis Club.

### Mr. Hunter

Discusses business and complains about his son Carl's lack of direction.

## Key lines

> I wish you’d stop calling me ‘Madam Daquin,’ ” she querulously demanded one day of Mimi. “I don’t want people here being reminded constantly we’re outsiders or think we’re trying to put on airs. Call me ‘ Mrs. Daquin’ or ‘mamma,’ or, if you insist on being high-toned, call me ‘mother.’ ”

Mrs. Daquin asks Mimi to stop calling her 'Madam Daquin' because she doesn't want to appear as an outsider or seem pretentious, suggesting 'Mrs. Daquin' or 'mamma' instead.

_Shows Mrs. Daquin's concern about social perception and fitting in._

> “What a darling little girl you have, Mrs. Daquin!” she exclaimed. “And what’s her name?” On being told she went on: “Mimi? How very cute. Just like a stage name or opera.” “That’s where it does come from. La Bohème . Do you know the opera?” Mimi assured her. “No, I can’t say I do⁠—no, I don’t believe I know that one,” Mrs. Hunter, somewhat embarrassed, answered.

Mrs. Hunter compliments Mimi's name, but when Mimi mentions it's from the opera La Bohème, Mrs. Hunter admits she doesn't know it, feeling embarrassed.

_Highlights cultural differences and Mrs. Hunter's lack of familiarity with opera._

> “You mean you think we should give up our religion to make money and get into ‘society’?” queried Jean in astonishment, his last word tinged ever so slightly with irony.

Jean is shocked that his wife suggests they hide their Catholic faith to gain social acceptance and financial success.

_Shows Jean's commitment to his religion and his disdain for social climbing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flight_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flight_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/flight_se/chapters