# Wooing and Wedding explained — Iola Leroy

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

## What happens

Dr. Latimer proposes to Iola, and after a period of engagement, they marry in a ceremony officiated by Rev. Carmicle, with Harry and Miss Delany as attendants. The chapter explores Iola's reflections on her past suffering and her commitment to uplifting her race.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The central event of the chapter is Dr. Latimer's proposal and marriage to Iola, emphasizing a union based on shared ideals and mutual respect.

### Racial Identity and Passing

Iola reflects on her father's decision to keep her ignorant of her Black heritage, which led to her traumatic enslavement and subsequent awakening.

### Resistance and Agency

Iola's decision to embrace her identity and dedicate her life to teaching and uplifting her people demonstrates personal and collective agency.

## Character check-ins

### Iola Leroy

Iola accepts Dr. Latimer's proposal, reflecting on her painful past and her transformed sense of purpose.

### Dr. Frank Latimer

Dr. Latimer proposes to Iola, expresses his love, and later marries her after building a home in the South.

### Harry Leroy

Harry serves as an attendant at Iola's wedding and enjoys his vacation with Miss Delany.

### Miss Lucille Delany

Miss Delany serves as an attendant at Iola's wedding and adds to Harry's enjoyment during his vacation.

### Rev. Carmicle

Rev. Carmicle officiates the wedding of Iola and Dr. Latimer.

### Robert Johnson

Robert gives his mother the pleasantest room in the house and participates in family gatherings.

## Key lines

> I was thinking of the bright, joyous days of my girlhood, when I defended slavery, and of how the cup that I would have pressed to the lips of others was forced to my own.

I recalled my childhood when I supported slavery, only to later experience its horrors myself.

_Iola reflects on the irony of her past ignorance and her subsequent suffering._

> Fearful as the awakening was, it was better than to have slept through life.

Though the realization was painful, it was preferable to remaining unaware.

_Iola affirms the value of her painful awakening to her true identity._

> In the work to which I am devoted every burden will be lighter, every path smoother, if brightened and blessed with your companionship.

My life's work would be easier and more joyful if you were by my side.

_Dr. Latimer expresses his desire for Iola's partnership in his mission._

> But they never burn a man in the South that they do not kindle a fire around my soul.

Every lynching in the South deeply stirs my spirit.

_Iola reveals her emotional response to racial violence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xxxii-wooing-and-wedding
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters