# XV: Relapse explained — Home to Harlem

> Chapter companion for Home to Harlem by Claude McKay.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/home_to_harlem_se/chapters/xv-relapse
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/home_to_harlem_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/home_to_harlem_se/chapters