# A Home for Mother explained — Iola Leroy

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

## What happens

Robert brings his mother to visit Aunt Linda, where they reminisce about old acquaintances. Uncle Daniel joins them for a prayer meeting. Robert then attempts to find a home for his mother in the North but faces racial discrimination from landlords. He eventually secures a house from a more tolerant landlord.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Reunion

Robert's reunion with his mother and the gathering of old friends highlight the theme of family bonds and reunion.

### Racial Prejudice and Caste

Robert's difficulty in renting a house due to racial discrimination illustrates the persistence of racial prejudice and caste barriers.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Johnson

Accompanies Iola partway, then brings his mother to visit Aunt Linda and later searches for a home for her in the North.

### Linda

Hosts Robert and his mother, provides a bountiful luncheon, and reminisces about old times.

### Uncle Daniel

Visits Robert's mother, expresses joy at their reunion, and leads a prayer meeting.

### Harriet

Robert's mother, who is joyfully reunited with her son and old friends.

## Key lines

> We'll hab a word ob prayer.

Let us have a prayer together.

_Uncle Daniel initiates a communal prayer, reflecting the religious practices of the formerly enslaved._

> The house is engaged, or, We do not rent to colored people.

The house is taken, or we do not rent to Black people.

_Robert encounters systemic racism when trying to secure housing for his mother._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xxi-a-home-for-mother
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters