# III: Zeddy explained — Home to Harlem

> Chapter companion for Home to Harlem by Claude McKay.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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