Not Without Laughter · Chapter
XIX: Ten Dollars and Costs explained
Sandy takes a job at the Drummer's Hotel, leaving Pete Scott's barbershop, despite Aunt Hager's reservations about hotel work.
What happens
Sandy takes a job at the Drummer's Hotel, leaving Pete Scott's barbershop, despite Aunt Hager's reservations about hotel work. Later, he discovers that his aunt Harriett has been arrested for streetwalking, which devastates Hager and leads to a moment of prayer and sorrow.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Generational Conflict
Aunt Hager's disapproval of Sandy's hotel job contrasts with his desire to earn money, and her grief over Harriett's arrest underscores the strain between generations and moral expectations.
Poverty and Survival
Sandy's need for a job to buy Christmas presents and worn-out shoes, along with the family's financial struggles, drives his decision to work at the hotel despite Hager's concerns.
Gender Roles and Women's Struggles
Harriett's arrest for streetwalking highlights the limited and often dangerous options for Black women seeking economic survival, and the shame and judgment they face.
Characters to notice
- Sandy
Takes a new job at the Drummer's Hotel, quits Pete Scott's barbershop, and discovers his aunt Harriett's arrest, feeling lonely and wishing she would come home.
- Aunt Hager Williams
Expresses disapproval of Sandy's hotel job, but reluctantly agrees. Later, she is devastated upon reading about Harriett's arrest and prays for her daughter.
- Harriett
Arrested for streetwalking along with Maudel Smothers, causing great distress to her mother, Aunt Hager.
- Pete Scott
Angry when Sandy quits working at his barbershop, claiming he let Sandy shine shoes and keep earnings, and intended to teach him barbering.
- Charlie Nutter
Bellhop who offers Sandy a job at the Drummer's Hotel and explains the work and potential tips.
- Maudel Smothers
Arrested alongside Harriett for streetwalking.
Key passages
“Negresses Arrested Harrietta Williams and Maudel Smothers, two young negresses, were arrested last night on Pearl Street for streetwalking. They were brought before Judge Brinton and fined ten dollars and costs.”
The newspaper reports that Harrietta Williams and Maudel Smothers were arrested for streetwalking and fined ten dollars plus court costs.
This news devastates Aunt Hager and reveals the legal consequences faced by Black women accused of sex work.
“I ain't never wanted none o' my chillens to work in no ole hotels. They's evil, full o' nastiness, an' you don't learn nothin' good in 'em.”
Aunt Hager expresses her strong disapproval of hotel work, believing it exposes children to immorality and bad influences.
Reflects Hager's moral concerns and the generational tension over acceptable work for Sandy.