# V explained — Plum Bun

> Chapter companion for Plum Bun by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

## What happens

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 family dynamics, the burden of racial consciousness, and the comfort of domestic life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Race and Racism

The chapter highlights systemic racism in Philadelphia's school system and the characters' differing views on how to cope with racial restrictions.

### Family and Sacrifice

Mattie and Junius's past sacrifices for their daughters' futures are recalled; the family celebrates Virginia's success together.

### Social Class and Ambition

Virginia's appointment and the family's improved financial situation allow for greater comfort and leisure, reflecting upward mobility.

## Character check-ins

### Angela Murray

Reflects on her teaching appointment and the racial barriers she faced; feels restless but finds some satisfaction in art school and family life.

### Virginia Murray

Exuberantly announces her teaching appointment; remains optimistic and devoted to her father, Junius.

### Mattie Murray

Enjoys the comforts provided by her daughters; recalls past discussions about the girls' futures and still deeply loves her husband.

### Junius Murray

Praised by Mattie for his wisdom; shares a tender moment with Virginia after dinner.

### Arthur Sawyer

Expresses frustration about having to plan his life around being coloured; participates in the race discussion.

### F. Seymour Porter

Argues that being coloured can be an incentive rather than a curse; signs his poems as F. Seymour Porter.

## Key lines

> Strictly speaking there are no coloured schools as such in Philadelphia. Yet, by an unwritten law, although coloured children may be taught by white teachers, white children must never receive knowledge at the hands of coloured instructors.

Philadelphia does not officially have segregated schools, but an unwritten rule prevents Black teachers from instructing white children.

_Explains the systemic barrier Angela faced in her teaching appointment._

> I'm sick of planning my life with regard to being coloured. I'm not a bit ashamed of my race... But I do mind having to take it into consideration every time I want to eat outside of my home, every time I enter a theatre, every time I think of a profession.

Arthur Sawyer expresses frustration that being Black forces him to constantly consider race in everyday decisions and career choices.

_Captures the theme of racial burden and the desire for normalcy._

> I think its being or not being a curse rests with you. You've got to decide whether or not you're going to let it interfere with personal development and to that extent it may be harmful or it may be an incentive.

F. Seymour Porter argues that the impact of being Black in America depends on one's attitude, potentially serving as motivation rather than a hindrance.

_Reflects a contrasting perspective on dealing with racism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters