# XXIII: Delightful Reunions explained — Iola Leroy

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

## What happens

Marie, Iola, and Harry are reunited and living happily together. Harry introduces Iola to Miss Delany, a remarkable educator who runs a school for future wives and mothers. Iola teaches briefly but resigns due to health issues from past trauma. Correspondence with Robert confirms that Marie is his long-lost sister, and Robert visits the South to reunite with them. The chapter ends with plans for Marie and Iola to visit the North.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Reunion

The chapter centers on the joyful reunions of Marie, Iola, Harry, and Robert, emphasizing the healing power of family bonds.

### Education and Uplift

Miss Delany's school and Harry's teaching highlight the importance of education for racial progress.

### Racial Identity and Passing

Harry and Robert discuss the moral imperative not to pass as white, linking identity to duty to the race.

## Character check-ins

### Iola Leroy

Reunited with her mother and brother; teaches at Miss Delany's school but resigns due to health; corresponds with Robert.

### Marie Leroy

Joyful in her reunion with Iola and Harry; recognizes Robert as her brother through the handkerchief memory; considers moving North.

### Harry Leroy

Teaching and leading among young men; introduces Miss Delany to Iola; expresses commitment to racial uplift.

### Robert Johnson

Corresponds with Iola; travels South to reunite with Marie and confirm their sibling relationship; invites them North.

### Miss Lucille Delany

Educator who founded a school for training future wives and mothers; becomes a close friend of Iola.

### Grandmother Johnson

Joyfully greets Iola and Robert; longs to see Marie before she dies.

## Key lines

> Now that I have linked my fortunes to the race I intend to do all I can for its elevation.

Having chosen to identify with Black people, Harry is determined to work for their advancement.

_Harry declares his commitment to racial uplift after choosing not to pass as white._

> I think it would be treason, not only to the race, but to humanity, to have you ignoring your kindred and masquerading as a white man.

Robert argues that passing as white would be a betrayal of both the Black race and humanity itself.

_Robert affirms Harry's decision to embrace his heritage._

> She is more than handsome, she is lovely; more than witty, she is wise; more than brilliant, she is excellent.

Harry describes Miss Delany as possessing deeper virtues beyond mere appearance or cleverness.

_Harry's praise of Miss Delany highlights her character and intellect._

> Every person of unmixed blood who succeeds in any department of literature, art, or science is a living argument for the capability which is in the race.

Iola believes that successful Black individuals with no white ancestry prove the race's inherent abilities.

_Iola emphasizes the importance of visible Black achievement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xxiii-delightful-reunions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters