Home to Harlem · Chapter
III: Zeddy explained
Jake Brown reunites with his old war buddy Zeddy Plummer in Harlem.
What happens
Jake Brown reunites with his old war buddy Zeddy Plummer in Harlem. They catch up over drinks at Uncle Doc's saloon, share memories of their time in Brest, and discuss the difficulties of returning home. Jake is preoccupied with the brown girl he met the previous night, and the two friends spend the day together, visiting a poolroom and Aunt Hattie's chitterling joint. Jake learns about work opportunities as a longshoreman and agrees to meet Zeddy again the next evening.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
Jake and Zeddy express relief and joy at being back in Harlem, emphasizing the sense of home and community.
Masculinity and Violence
War memories and the dangers of Brest, including fights and racial violence, shape the men's identities.
Characters to notice
- Jake Brown
Reunites with Zeddy, shares war stories, and is preoccupied with the brown girl he met the previous night.
- Zeddy Plummer
Jake's war buddy, now working as a longshoreman, shares memories of Brest and cautions Jake about keeping his desertion secret.
- Uncle Doc
Saloon keeper where Jake and Zeddy reunite; serves them drinks and reminds Jake of his suitcase.
- Aunt Hattie
Runs a chitterling joint in Harlem where Jake and Zeddy eat; shows a flirtatious interest in Jake.
Key passages
“Was always bellyaching for a chance over the top. Nevah got it nor nothing. Not even a baid in the hospital. Strong like a bull, yet just knocked off in the dark through raw cracker cussedness.”
He was always complaining about wanting to go over the top, but never got the chance, not even a hospital bed. He was as strong as a bull, yet was killed in the dark by sheer white Southern malice.
Zeddy recalls the death of a fellow soldier in Brest, highlighting racial injustice.
“But you must keep it dark, buddy,” Zeddy cautioned. “Don’t go shooting off your mouth too free. Gov’mant still smoking out deserters and draft dodgers.””
Zeddy warns Jake to keep his desertion a secret because the government is still hunting for deserters and draft dodgers.
The risk of being caught as a deserter is a real concern in the post-war period.
“Harlem! Harlem! Little thicker, little darker and noisier and smellier, but Harlem just the same. The niggers done plowed through 130th Street. Heading straight foh 125th. Spades beyond Eighth Avenue. Going, going, going Harlem! Going up!”
Harlem is a bit more crowded, darker, noisier, and smellier, but it's still Harlem. Black people have pushed past 130th Street toward 125th, and beyond Eighth Avenue. Harlem is expanding and rising.
Jake observes the growth and transformation of Harlem, reflecting the era's demographic shifts.
“O Lawd! how did I fohgit to remember the street and number. I reeled outa there like a drunken man. I been so happy.”
Oh Lord! How could I forget the street and number? I stumbled out of there like a drunk man because I was so happy.
Jake regrets not remembering the address of the brown girl he met, showing his infatuation.