# IX: The Planting explained — The Quest of the Silver Fleece > Chapter companion for The Quest of the Silver Fleece by W. E. B. Du Bois. ## What happens Bles and Zora work together to clear and plant a hidden field in the swamp, using mysterious cotton seeds from Elspeth. Their bond deepens as they share moments of tenderness and spiritual questioning. Zora secretly steals a mule from the Cresswell plantation to aid their labor, demonstrating her determination and resourcefulness. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Self-Sacrifice Bles and Zora's mutual dedication to the planting project, with Bles insisting Zora rest while he works, and Zora secretly stealing a mule to help, demonstrates their selfless love and commitment to each other. ### The Quest for Identity and Dignity Zora's questioning of purity and her identification with the Madonna and Christ child reflect her search for self-worth and understanding of her own identity beyond societal definitions. ### Land Ownership and Community Building The clearing and planting of the hidden field represents the couple's attempt to establish their own land and livelihood, a foundational step toward building a community. ## Character check-ins ### Zora Cresswell Shows her fierce dedication and resourcefulness by stealing a mule to help clear the land, while also engaging in deep philosophical questions about purity and motherhood. ### Bles Alwyn Takes on the heavy burden of clearing the land, showing his protective and caring nature toward Zora, and his reverence for her innocence. ### Elspeth Provides the mystical cotton seeds and performs a ritual planting under the dark moon, revealing her connection to ancient practices and her role as Zora's mother. ## Key lines > “It means,” he stammered, groping for meanings⁠—“it means being good⁠—just as good as a woman knows how.” Bles struggles to define purity as simply being as good as one can be. _This moment highlights the theme of purity and moral understanding._ > “De seed done sowed! De seed done sowed!” Elspeth announces that the seeds have been planted. _This ritual cry marks the completion of the planting ceremony._ > “Don’t throw the dirt too high there,” she begged; “it’ll bring my seat too near the earth.” Zora asks Bles not to raise the soil too much near the tree where she likes to sit. _This shows Zora's attachment to the natural surroundings and her desire to maintain her special place._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters/ix-the-planting - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters