III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Race and Racism

  Mattie's experiences with Madame Sylvio's racist assumptions and the broader societal discrimination against African Americans are central to the chapter.

• Social Class and Ambition

  Mattie's past as a domestic worker and her desire for a better life, as well as her observations about the ease of life with a white skin, highlight class and ambition.

• Family and Sacrifice

  Mattie's marriage to Junius and her dedication to her family, as well as her concern for Angela's well-being, underscore family bonds and sacrifice.

Characters to notice

• Mattie Murray

  Reflects on her past as a domestic servant, her experiences with Madame Sylvio and Haynes Brokinaw, and her marriage to Junius Murray.

• Junius Murray

  Mattie's husband, a tall, black, grave coachman who delivers a note for her and later marries her.

• Angela Murray

  Shows moodiness and absorption during Monday evening preparations, causing Mattie to note she is growing up.

• Virginia Murray

  Participates in the Monday ritual of preparing supper and the dressing-up game with Angela.

• Madame Sylvio

  Mattie's former employer, an actress who dismisses Mattie's concerns about Haynes Brokinaw and holds racist views.

• Haynes Brokinaw

  A politician and well-known man about town who makes unwanted advances toward Mattie when she delivers notes.

Key passages

• “Mattie was in despair. She was receiving twenty-five dollars a month, her board, and a comfortable, pleasant room. She was seeing something of the world and learning of its amenities. It was during this period that she learned how very pleasant indeed life could be for a person possessing only a very little extra money and a white skin.”

  Mattie felt hopeless despite earning a decent wage and living comfortably, realizing that even modest wealth and a white appearance could make life much easier.

  Highlights the intersection of race and class privilege.

• “She threw her arms about his neck: 'And I love you too.' 'You don't mind my being so dark then? Lots of coloured girls I know wouldn't look at a black man.' But it was partly on account of his colour that she loved him; in her eyes his colour meant safety.”

  Mattie embraced Junius and declared her love, reassuring him that his dark skin was not a problem; in fact, she found safety in his blackness.

  Reveals Mattie's complex feelings about race and security.

• “It was one of her most cherished experiences⁠—this sense of a day's hard labour far behind her, the happy voices of her girls, her joyous expectation of her husband's homecoming.”

  Mattie treasured the moment after a long day's work, surrounded by her daughters' cheerful chatter and looking forward to her husband's return.

  Emphasizes the domestic happiness and fulfillment Mattie finds in family life.