Northern Experience explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Racial Prejudice and Caste

  Iola repeatedly encounters discrimination in the North, losing jobs when her African American heritage is discovered, highlighting the pervasive nature of racial caste.

• Gender and Womanhood

  Iola advocates for women's economic independence, arguing that every woman should know how to earn her own living, challenging traditional gender roles.

• Family and Reunion

  The chapter culminates in the emotional reunion of Iola, her mother Marie, and grandmother, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.

Characters to notice

• Iola Leroy

  Iola actively seeks employment and confronts racial prejudice in the North, ultimately finding a supportive employer in Mr. Cloten.

• Robert Johnson

  Robert advises Iola and supports her decisions, expressing pride in her determination and her embrace of her African heritage.

• Marie Leroy

  Marie is reunited with her mother and Iola after years of separation, settling into the Northern home.

• Mrs. Johnson

  Referred to as 'Grandma,' she joyfully welcomes Marie back after more than thirty years.

• Mr. Cloten

  Mr. Cloten hires Iola after she nurses his daughter, openly defying racial prejudice in his store.

• Mrs. Cloten

  Mrs. Cloten supports her husband's decision to employ Iola and criticizes the prejudice Iola faced.

Key passages

• “I have a theory that every woman ought to know how to earn her own living. I believe that a great amount of sin and misery springs from the weakness and inefficiency of women.”

  Iola believes women should be self-sufficient, as dependency leads to suffering and poor choices.

  Iola expresses her feminist views on economic independence.

• “The best blood in my veins is African blood, and I am not ashamed of it.”

  Iola proudly affirms her African heritage as her most valuable inheritance.

  Iola declares her pride in her racial identity despite societal prejudice.

• “We should stamp ourselves on the South, and not let the South stamp itself on us. When we have learned to treat men according to the complexion of their souls, and not the color of their skins, we will have given our best contribution towards the solution of the negro problem.”

  Mr. Cloten argues that Northerners should lead by example, judging people by character rather than race, to truly address racial issues.

  Mr. Cloten critiques both Northern and Southern racism, advocating for moral leadership.