# XVI explained — Flight

> Chapter companion for Flight by Walter White.

## What happens

Mimi, now living in Harlem with her aunt Mrs. Rogers, has largely forgotten her past miseries in Atlanta and Philadelphia. She attends a dance at Manhattan Casino, where she observes the diverse Harlem social scene and discusses the complexities of race, passing, and social hierarchy with her aunt. Later, Mimi becomes the subject of gossip and feels despondent. In a conversation with Mrs. Rogers, she reveals her plan to leave Harlem and pass as white, feeling driven away by the very community she sought to join.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Identity and Passing

The chapter explores the concept of passing through the character of the girl who works downtown and Mimi's own decision to leave Harlem and pass as French.

### Colorism and Social Hierarchy

Mimi's observations of the dancers and Mrs. Rogers's comments about skin color and social advancement highlight the internal color hierarchy within the Black community.

### Class and Materialism

The dance scene includes people from various classes, and Mrs. Rogers's discussion of gossip and reputation touches on the importance of social standing and material success.

## Character check-ins

### Mimi Daquin

Mimi is now living in Harlem, enjoying a new life and feeling that her past sorrows are unreal. She attends a dance and is admired, but later becomes the target of gossip, leading her to contemplate passing as white.

### Mrs. Rogers

Mimi's aunt, who provides guidance and support. She explains the social dynamics of Harlem, including the practice of passing, and later tries to comfort Mimi when she is distressed by gossip.

### Aunt Sophie

Mimi refers to Mrs. Rogers as Aunt Sophie. She is a key figure in Mimi's new life, offering both social introduction and emotional support.

### Old Jean

Referred to as Petit Jean, he is Mimi's son and serves as the central hope for her future, motivating her to secure a better life.

### Carl Hunter

Mimi reflects on her past relationship with Carl, now seeing him as a weak individual and feeling amused by her former devotion to him.

## Key lines

> Mimi forgot the days of her misery. The years spent in Atlanta became hazy and unreal in the eager happiness of her new life.

Mimi's past suffering in Atlanta faded from memory as she embraced the joy of her new life in Harlem.

_This marks a clear transition for Mimi, leaving her old life behind._

> If that girl can pass I think I can too. My name is French, I speak French⁠—at least well enough to fool anybody who isn't French⁠—I can sew, and they'll never think me anything else but French.

Mimi believes she can successfully pass as white, using her French name, language skills, and sewing ability to conceal her racial identity.

_This is a pivotal moment where Mimi decides to leave her community and pass as white._

## Links

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