# Plum Bun — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Plum Bun by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph presents a nursery rhyme about going to market to buy a plum bun and returning home, which serves as a thematic prelude to the novel's exploration of markets—both literal and social—and the transactions of i
- [Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/plum-bun.md): The opening chapter introduces the Murray family living on Opal Street, focusing on the dynamics between sisters Angela and Virginia and their mother Mattie, who passes for white to gain social advantages. Angela observe
- [Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/home.md): The chapter explores the concept of home through the Murray family's life on Opal Street, highlighting the tension between their comfortable domestic life and the racial realities that shape their existence. Mattie's Sat
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter introduces Angela Murray, a light-skinned Black girl who believes that whiteness is the key to joy and freedom, a lesson she learns from observing her mother Mattie's Saturday excursions 'passing' as white in
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter contrasts the sisters' preferences for Saturdays (Angela) and Sundays (Virginia). It details Virginia's deep love for the Sunday ritual—preparing breakfast, playing hymns, attending church—and her sense of fa
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii.md): This chapter explores Mattie Murray's past as a domestic worker, her encounters with racism and exploitation, and her meeting and marriage to Junius Murray. It also depicts a Monday evening at the Murray home, highlighti
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv.md): Angela retreats to her bedroom after a painful day at school, where her friend Mary Hastings rejected her upon learning she is colored. The chapter explores Angela's growing isolation as former childhood acquaintances di
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v.md): Virginia receives her teaching appointment, sparking family celebration and a discussion on race. Angela reflects on her own appointment and the systemic barriers for Black teachers in Philadelphia. The chapter explores 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vi.md): Angela thrives at the Academy, enjoying camaraderie and recognition, but her racial secret and the presence of her sister Jinny prevent deeper social connections. She confides in Mr. and Mrs. Shields about her desire for
- [Market](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/market.md): The chapter depicts the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of a market, likely a setting where characters interact, observe, and engage in the social and economic exchanges that define their community.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i.md): Angela Murray arrives in New York and immerses herself in the vibrant life of Fourteenth Street, feeling a newfound sense of freedom and independence as she passes for white. She enrolls in an art class at Cooper Union, 
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii.md): Angela moves into a new apartment on Jayne Street with help from Anthony Cross, who is prompted by Paulette Lister. She cooks him a homely dinner reminiscent of Opal Street, and they share a moment of connection. Later, 
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii.md): Angela reflects on the contrast between the serious, race-conscious discussions of her Philadelphia home and the detached intellectualism of Martha Burden's circle. She attempts to befriend a fellow colored student, Miss
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv.md): Angela enjoys a lavish dinner with Roger Fielding, feeling the thrill of passing and the power it gives her. She is disturbed by his kiss and later overhears his racist tirade against a Black couple denied service at a r
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v.md): In the springtime of New York, Angela continues her strategic game of withholding affection from Roger Fielding, following Martha Burden's advice to make him want her more. She allows him to visit after several pleas, an
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vi.md): Angela is tormented by guilt after failing to acknowledge her sister Jinny at the train station due to Roger's prejudices. She tries to rationalize her betrayal, promising to make amends, but Jinny's hurt and pride are e
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vii.md): Angela and Virginia have a tense reunion in New York, marked by their first quarrel over Angela's relationship with Roger Fielding and her decision to pass as white. Virginia confronts Angela about cutting her at the sta
- [Plum Bun](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/plum-bun.md): The chapter follows Angela Murray as she navigates her life in New York, passing as white and exploring her ambitions in art and love. She meets Anthony Cross, a fellow artist, and grapples with her identity, relationshi
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i.md): Angela Murray reflects on a pivotal encounter with Roger Fielding, who pressures her into a secret relationship. She resists, torn between her pride and the allure of his wealth. Later, at a Village cabaret with Paulette
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii.md): Angela and Roger engage in a prolonged romantic and ideological struggle. Roger, wealthy and accustomed to getting what he wants, pressures Angela for a relationship without marriage, advocating free love. Angela, though
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii.md): Angela Murray grows increasingly frustrated with her sister Virginia's secretive life among a vibrant group of educated Black New Yorkers, while Angela herself becomes absorbed in her relationship with Roger Fielding and
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv.md): Angela reflects on her stagnant relationship with Roger, feeling shame and loneliness as she realizes she does not love him and that their affair lacks permanence and dignity. She tries to rekindle his interest but he gr
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v.md): After Roger leaves her, Angela is devastated by the vulgar end of their affair and the loss of her last hope for a successful marriage. She faces financial ruin, with less than a thousand dollars remaining, and turns des
- [Home Again](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/home-again.md): Angela returns home to Opal Street after her time in New York, reconnecting with her family and confronting the complexities of her dual identity. The chapter explores the tension between her passing life and her roots, 
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i.md): Angela Murray reflects on her friendship with Rachel Salting, a simple and intelligent girl engaged to John Adams. Lonely in New York, Angela finds comfort in Rachel's company and domestic routines, while also reconnecti
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii.md): Angela, feeling lonely and regretful, resolves to reconcile with her sister Virginia and return to a life of community and stability. She visits Virginia's apartment but finds her sister happily engaged and preparing to 
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii.md): Angela navigates her new social circles in New York, feeling both drawn to and uneasy about the world of wealth and intellectual excitement she has entered. She withdraws from Mrs. Denver's generosity but forms a genuine
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv.md): Angela reflects on her relationship with Anthony Cross and her own selfishness. She recalls Anthony's harrowing story of his father's lynching and his mother's subsequent fear of Black people. Anthony confesses his love 
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v.md): Angela, reeling from Anthony's rejection, devises a plan to reveal her true racial identity to him, hoping to bridge the gap between them. She visits his Harlem apartment, confesses she is colored, and learns that Anthon
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vi.md): Angela reflects on her past relationships with Roger and Anthony, feeling like a battle-scarred veteran. She reconnects with her racial identity, spending time in Harlem with Virginia and friends, observing the community
- [Market Is Done](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/market-is-done.md): The chapter depicts the bustling activity and social dynamics of a local market, focusing on the interactions and observations of characters within this vibrant setting.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i.md): Angela Murray wins the John T. Stewart Prize for her painting 'Fourteenth Street Types' and plans to study in France with her classmate Miss Powell, who has won the Nehemiah Sloan Prize. However, the American Committee f
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii.md): Angela visits Matthew Henson in Philadelphia before sailing to France. She is denied entry to her childhood home by the current occupant, who calls her 'poor white trash.' Matthew comforts her, and they share a meal. Ang
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii.md): Angela spends her first six months in Paris, grappling with homesickness and the loss of youthful optimism. She immerses herself in her art studies, receives a surprise Christmas visit from Anthony Cross, and reflects on

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