Iola Leroy · Chapter
Flames in the Schoolroom explained
Iola Leroy takes up teaching freed people after the war, finding joy and purpose in her work despite suspicion from former slaveholders.
What happens
Iola Leroy takes up teaching freed people after the war, finding joy and purpose in her work despite suspicion from former slaveholders. Her school becomes overcrowded with eager pupils of all ages. One night, the school is burned down by an incendiary, but Iola's spirits are lifted when her students sing a hymn of encouragement, reaffirming her hope for her people's future.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Uplift
Iola's teaching embodies the transformative power of education for freed people, despite violent opposition.
Racial Prejudice and Caste
Iola faces suspicion and dislike from former slaveholders who resent the education of Black people.
Resistance and Agency
The arson of the school is an act of racist resistance, but Iola and her students respond with resilience and hope.
Characters to notice
- Iola Leroy
Opens a school for freed people, gains their trust, and remains hopeful after the school is burned.
- Robert Johnson
Present with Iola when Dr. Gresham arrives; recovering from a flesh wound.
- Dr. Gresham
Visits Iola and Robert after a furlough; suggests Iola teach and offers his assistance.
Key passages
“Her pupils came from miles around, ready and anxious to get some 'book larnin'.' Some of the old folks were eager to learn, and it was touching to see the eyes which had grown dim under the shadows of slavery, donning spectacles and trying to make out the words.”
Students traveled great distances to learn, including elderly former slaves who put on glasses and struggled to read, a poignant sight given their lifelong oppression.
Highlights the hunger for education among freed people and the poignant image of elderly learners.
“One night the heavens were lighted with lurid flames, and Iola beheld the school, the pride and joy of her pupils and their parents, a smouldering ruin.”
One night, the school—a source of pride for the community—was burned to the ground, its flames lighting up the sky.
Describes the arson attack on Iola's school.
“As they sang, the tears sprang to Iola's eyes, and she said to herself, 'I am not despondent of the future of my people; there is too much elasticity in their spirits, too much hope in their hearts, to be crushed out by unreasoning malice.'”
Moved by her students' singing, Iola felt renewed hope, believing that the resilience and optimism of her people could not be destroyed by senseless hatred.
Iola's reaffirmation of hope after the school burning.