# Part III: Alva explained — The Blacker the Berry

> Chapter companion for The Blacker the Berry by Wallace Thurman.

## What happens

Emma Lou, now working as a maid for actress Arline Strange, spirals into self-hatred and obsessive attempts to lighten her skin. She recalls past rejections due to her dark complexion and becomes consumed by a desire to find a mysterious, well-dressed man she danced with. After a failed job search, she returns to work and is invited to Small's Paradise by Arline and her brother, despite having never been to a cabaret.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Hatred and Identity

Emma Lou's obsessive skin bleaching and constant self-criticism highlight her internalized racism and struggle with her dark skin.

### Colorism and Intraracial Prejudice

The chapter emphasizes color-based discrimination within the Black community, from sorority exclusions to casting preferences in Cabaret Gal.

### Harlem Renaissance and Cultural Exploitation

Arline Strange's performance as a 'Negro Carmen' and the cabaret scene reflect the commodification of Black culture for white audiences.

## Character check-ins

### Emma Lou Morgan

Intensifies her self-hatred, experiments with skin bleaching, and obsessively searches for the man she danced with.

### Arline Strange

Emma Lou's employer, a white actress playing a mulatto Carmen; invites Emma Lou to Small's Paradise.

### John

Recalled by Emma Lou as a past lover who could not satisfy her emotional or physical needs.

### Jasmine Griffith

Emma Lou asks her for advice on finding a new room; Jasmine is noncommittal.

### Mazelle Lindsay

Helps Emma Lou secure a position as maid to Arline Strange after her job search fails.

### Jane Morgan

Emma Lou's mother, who writes a tearful letter urging her to return home; Emma Lou dismisses it.

## Key lines

> We have nothing here.

A Caribbean woman tells Emma Lou that people of color in her homeland do not associate with Black individuals.

_This remark deepens Emma Lou's sense of rejection and reinforces her belief that dark skin is universally despised._

> She should have been a boy. A black boy could get along, but a black girl.

Emma Lou believes that being a dark-skinned male would offer more opportunities than being a dark-skinned female.

_Reflects the intersection of gender and colorism in limiting Emma Lou's prospects._

> Stop your mooning, dearie.

Arline Strange tells Emma Lou to stop daydreaming and focus on her work.

_Arline's casual command underscores the power imbalance and Emma Lou's subordinate role._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/chapters/part-iii-alva
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/chapters