Not Without Laughter · Chapter
Return explained
After Christmas, Sandy and his family endure a cold winter.
What happens
After Christmas, Sandy and his family endure a cold winter. Annjee returns to work at Mrs. Rice's, while Sandy advances to the fifth A at school. Harriett unexpectedly returns home, having left her job in Memphis, but she chooses to stay with Maudel rather than with her family, causing a tense and emotional reunion.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Generational Conflict
Harriett's return highlights the strain between her independent choices and her mother's expectations, as well as the unspoken tensions about Tempy's lack of support.
Poverty and Survival
Annjee's return to work despite illness, Hager's continued labor, and the family's careful budgeting underscore their struggle to meet basic needs.
Racial Identity and Oppression
Mary Jones's mother's confrontation with the teacher reveals the racial inequities in the school system and the broader societal discrimination faced by Black families.
Characters to notice
- Sandy
Passes midyear tests and advances to fifth A; feels ashamed of his sled; helps deliver newspapers; joyfully greets Harriett's return.
- Annjee
Returns to work at Mrs. Rice's after illness; saves money to buy Sandy a new suit; expresses concern about Jimboy's lack of letters.
- Aunt Hager Williams
Continues washing and ironing despite her age; warmly welcomes Harriett home but is hurt by her decision to stay elsewhere.
- Harriett
Returns from Memphis after quitting the minstrel show; appears thinner with bobbed hair and rouge; chooses to live at Maudel's, causing family tension.
- Sadie Butler
Advanced to fifth A with Sandy; sends him a big red heart for Valentine's Day.
Key passages
“Look at ma chile settin’ back there behind all de white ones... An’ me payin’ as much taxes as anybody! You treats us colored folks like we ain’t citizerzens—that’s what you does!”
Mary Jones's mother angrily accuses the teacher of racial discrimination, pointing out that her daughter is seated behind white students despite paying taxes.
This confrontation highlights the racial tensions and inequities in the school system.
“I got mad, and quit the show in Memphis, and they wouldn’t pay me—so that was that!”
Harriett explains that she left her job with the minstrel show in anger and was not paid, leading to her return home.
Harriett's explanation reveals the instability and exploitation she faced in her work.
“Where’s you’ suitcase, honey?... Didn’t you bring it back with you? Where is it?... Sure, I got it. … But I’m gonna live at Maudel’s this time, mama.”
Hager asks about Harriett's suitcase, but Harriett reveals she plans to stay with Maudel instead of moving back home.
This exchange underscores the emotional distance and Harriett's desire for independence.