# A Revelation explained — Iola Leroy

> Chapter companion for Iola Leroy by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

Robert and Iola travel with Aunt Linda to a prayer meeting, where Robert unexpectedly reunites with his long-lost mother, Harriet, who had been sold away from him in slavery. The reunion is a moment of profound joy and religious fervor, celebrated by the community. Iola, still searching for her own mother, witnesses the emotional scene with hope and sorrow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Reunion

The central event of the chapter is Robert's emotional reunion with his mother, highlighting the enduring bonds of family despite slavery's disruptions.

### Religion and Faith

The prayer meeting setting and the characters' expressions of faith underscore the role of religion in sustaining hope and community.

### Resistance and Agency

Aunt Linda's discussion of voting and political choices reflects the ongoing struggle for agency and freedom during Reconstruction.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Johnson

Reunites with his mother Harriet at the prayer meeting, after years of searching.

### Iola Leroy

Travels with Robert and Aunt Linda; witnesses the reunion and hopes to find her own mother.

### Linda

Aunt Linda accompanies Robert and Iola, provides local color and commentary, and facilitates the reunion.

### Harriet

Robert's mother, who is joyfully reunited with her son after decades of separation.

### John Salters

Aunt Linda's son, briefly mentioned in conversation about voting and loyalty.

## Key lines

> Oh, Robby! Robby! is dis you? Is dat my pore, dear boy I’se been prayin’ ’bout all dese years? Oh, glory! glory!

Harriet exclaims in joy upon recognizing Robert, her long-lost son, whom she has prayed for over many years.

_This moment captures the climax of the reunion, filled with religious and emotional intensity._

> I’se bin a prayin’ fer one thing, an’ I beliebs I’ll git it; an’ dat is dat I may see my chillen ’fore I die.

Harriet expresses her persistent hope and faith that she will see her children again before her death.

_This quote illustrates the theme of faith and the longing for family reunion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xx-a-revelation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters