Flight · Chapter
VI explained
Mimi's consciousness of being colored intensifies after the Atlanta riot, leading to a distorted racial perspective.
What happens
Mimi's consciousness of being colored intensifies after the Atlanta riot, leading to a distorted racial perspective. Jean tries to counter her growing race obsession with literature and conversation. Mimi and Hilda graduate from normal school, and Carl Hunter returns home, rekindling tensions and jealousy in Hilda.
Themes in this chapter
Racial Identity and Passing
Mimi's consciousness of being colored and her use of her light skin and French accent to gain immunities.
Colorism and Social Hierarchy
Mimi's cream-colored skin and Gallic name give her advantages, and she looks down on 'poor white trash'.
Family and Sacrifice
Jean's reflections on his past, his sacrifices, and his concern for Mimi's future.
Characters to notice
- Mimi Daquin
Develops a heightened racial consciousness and a scorn for whites, while also magnifying the virtues of her own people. Graduates from normal school.
- Jean Daquin
Grieves the changes in Mimi and his own life, reflecting on his past and his relationship with Mary. Proud of Mimi's graduation.
- Hilda Adams
Feels jealousy and bitterness as Carl shows interest in Mimi, realizing he will never care for her.
- Carl Hunter
Returns home from school and meets Mimi at a picnic, showing interest in her despite her coolness.
- Mrs. Daquin
Socializes at the graduation, taking credit for bringing Jean and Mimi into a civilized community.
Key passages
“Mimi dated thereafter her consciousness of being coloured from September, nineteen hundred and six.”
Mimi began to identify as a person of color after the events of September 1906.
This marks a turning point in Mimi's racial identity.
“She chuckled when she read or heard of or saw their imbecilities, their shortcomings.”
She found amusement in the foolishness and flaws of white people.
Mimi's scorn for whites is expressed through mockery.
“He did not know that before they had left New Orleans Mimi had spent many hours locked in her own room while she surreptitiously devoured (almost literally, her nose was so close to the pages) the tragedy of Tess.”
Jean was unaware that Mimi had secretly read Tess of the d'Urbervilles in New Orleans.
Mimi's secret reading shows her intellectual curiosity and independence.