# Second Part explained — Home to Harlem

> Chapter companion for Home to Harlem by Claude McKay.

## What happens

The chapter opens with Jake Brown returning to Harlem after his time away. He reconnects with his old friend Zeddy, who is now being kept by Susy. Jake finds work as a longshoreman and moves in with Congo Rose, a woman he meets. The chapter depicts Jake's life in Harlem, his relationships, and his experiences with work and leisure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Home and Belonging

Jake's return to Harlem and his search for a place to stay and a sense of community.

### Labor and Class

Jake's work as a longshoreman and the economic realities of life in Harlem.

## Character check-ins

### Jake Brown

Returns to Harlem and reconnects with old acquaintances.

### Zeddy Plummer

Jake's old friend, now being kept by Susy.

### Gin-head Susy

A woman who is keeping Zeddy.

### Congo Rose

A woman Jake moves in with after meeting her.

## Key lines

> Second Part

The chapter begins a new section of the narrative.

_This is the only text provided for the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/home_to_harlem_se/chapters/second-part
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/home_to_harlem_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/home_to_harlem_se/chapters