Home to Harlem · Chapter
XV: Relapse explained
Jake suffers a relapse due to excessive drinking, prompting a visit from a doctor and concern from Ray.
What happens
Jake suffers a relapse due to excessive drinking, prompting a visit from a doctor and concern from Ray. The landlady criticizes the younger generation's lack of religion. Ray encourages Jake to move to a better room and reflects on his own literary aspirations and the changing world.
Themes in this chapter
Masculinity and Violence
Jake's reckless drinking and dismissal of health risks reflect a masculine bravado, while Ray's concern highlights a contrast in sensitivity.
Displacement and Wandering
Jake's move to a new room and Ray's reflections on being 'alone, hurt, neglected' underscore the transient and rootless nature of their lives.
Education and Intellectualism
Ray's literary musings and the doctor's educational background highlight the role of intellect and learning in the characters' lives.
Characters to notice
- Jake Brown
Suffers a relapse from drinking beer, despite doctor's warnings. Plans to move to a new room.
- Ray
Visits Jake after his relapse, advises him to be careful, and offers him a room in his building. Reflects on literature and his own creative ambitions.
- Billy Biasse
Calls the doctor for Jake and later helps with Jake's move.
- Madame Laura
Mentioned as having met Ray and asked for Jake's address, showing interest in Jake.
Key passages
“The doctor arrived. Ordered a hot-water bottle for Jake’s belly and a hot lemon drink.”
The doctor prescribed simple remedies for Jake's condition.
Shows the limited medical treatment available for Jake's ailment.
““Beer is the worst form of alcohol you could ever take in your state,” said the doctor.”
The doctor warned Jake that beer was particularly harmful given his condition.
Highlights the seriousness of Jake's relapse.
““I guess I could stand a new place to lay mah carcass in, all right,” Jake drawled.”
Jake agreed that he could use a new place to live.
Shows Jake's casual attitude toward his living situation.
“Ray was not happy. The sudden upset of affairs in his home country had landed him into the quivering heart of a naked world whose reality was hitherto unimaginable.”
Ray felt unsettled by the raw realities of his new environment.
Reflects Ray's internal conflict and sense of displacement.