XVI: The Great Refusal explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Racial Oppression and Education

  The chapter centers on the struggle over who controls Black education. Miss Smith refuses a large endowment because it would place the school under the control of those who do not wish for the best interests of Black folk, highlighting the tension between white philanthropy and Black self-determination.

• Corruption of Philanthropy and Politics

  Mrs. Grey's offer of a large sum of money is tied to conditions that would put the school's direction in the hands of men like Mr. Cresswell, who are opposed to Black education. This illustrates how philanthropy can be used as a tool to maintain existing power structures.

• Womanhood and Protection

  Miss Smith acts as a protector, both of her school and of Zora, whom she holds through the night. Her confrontation with Mary Taylor also touches on the theme of women's roles and responsibilities.

Characters to notice

• Miss Smith

  Miss Smith stands firm in her principles, refusing Mrs. Grey's endowment because it would put the school under the control of those who do not wish for the best interests of Black folk. She also shows deep care for Zora, holding her through the night, and harshly confronts Mary Taylor for her role in the recent events.

• Mrs. Grey

  Mrs. Grey offers to endow the school with a hundred and fifty thousand dollars but with the condition that the money be controlled by a board including Mr. Cresswell and other men. She is surprised and unable to understand Miss Smith's refusal.

• Harry Cresswell

  Mr. Cresswell is present at the meeting and is the primary object of Miss Smith's objection. He agrees with the idea of Black development but differs on its applications, and he moves to the window when Miss Smith refuses the offer.

• Mary Taylor

  Mary Taylor tries to smooth over the situation after Miss Smith's refusal, but is later confronted by Miss Smith, who harshly criticizes her for her foolishness and for her role in the lives of Zora and Bles.

• Zora Cresswell

  Zora is in a fitful sleep, moaning, as Miss Smith holds her through the night. She is recovering from a deep emotional blow, and Miss Smith hopes to bring her back to a useful life.

• Mrs. Vanderpool

  Mrs. Vanderpool is present at the meeting and moves toward the door when Miss Smith refuses the offer. She had previously left Miss Smith 'coldly in the lurch.'

Key passages

• “Mrs. Grey, I thank you, but I cannot accept your offer.”

  Miss Smith politely but firmly declines Mrs. Grey's endowment.

  This is the pivotal moment of the chapter, where Miss Smith chooses principle over financial gain.

• “Because you ask me to put my school in control of those who do not wish for the best interests of black folk, and in particular I object to Mr. Cresswell,”

  Miss Smith explains her refusal by stating that the conditions would place the school under the control of people who are not supportive of Black people's welfare, specifically naming Mr. Cresswell.

  This clarifies the core conflict of the chapter: the fight for control over Black education.

• “Mary Taylor, you are a fool. You are not foolish, for the foolish learn; you are simply a fool.”

  Miss Smith harshly tells Mary Taylor that she is beyond learning from her mistakes, calling her a fool outright.

  This shows Miss Smith's deep anger and disappointment with Mary Taylor's actions.