# XX: The Weaving of the Silver Fleece explained — The Quest of the Silver Fleece

> Chapter companion for The Quest of the Silver Fleece by W. E. B. Du Bois.

## What happens

Zora, haunted by the loss of her Silver Fleece, watches as Colonel Cresswell prepares to ship the prized cotton bales to John Taylor. The Colonel, troubled by the impending marriages of his children, is unaware of Zora's deep connection to the cotton. After the bales are sent away, Zora, in despair, joins a group of contract laborers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Vanderpool, seeking a new maid, visits Miss Smith at the school and expresses interest in Zora. Miss Smith, recognizing Zora's perilous situation, agrees to send her to Mrs. Vanderpool as a means of protection and escape.

## Themes in this chapter

### Economic Exploitation and Cotton

The Silver Fleece is a symbol of the cotton economy's value and the exploitation inherent in its production. Zora's connection to it is both personal and symbolic of the labor that created it.

### Class and Color Hierarchy

The chapter contrasts the lives of the Cresswells, who are concerned with marriages and social standing, with the lives of the Black laborers, who face debt, coercion, and the threat of the chain-gang.

### Womanhood and Protection

Miss Smith's concern for Zora's safety and her decision to send her away with Mrs. Vanderpool highlight the theme of protecting young Black women from exploitation and harm.

## Character check-ins

### Zora Cresswell

Grieves over the loss of the Silver Fleece, feeling it was stolen from her. She is desperate and seeks a 'Way' out of her predicament, ultimately joining a group of laborers in her despair.

### Colonel Cresswell

Proud of the Silver Fleece but troubled by the upcoming marriages of his children. He dismisses Zora's presence and orders her to work in the fields.

### Mrs. Vanderpool

Stopping at Cresswell Oaks, she is looking for a new maid and becomes interested in Zora after seeing her in town. She visits Miss Smith to inquire about hiring her.

### Miss Smith

Concerned for Zora's safety and future, she sees Mrs. Vanderpool's offer as Zora's only chance. She agrees to send Zora to her, hoping it will protect her from the Cresswells.

### Harry Cresswell

In favor of hastening his sister's marriage and his own, he suggests sending the prize cotton bales to John Taylor as a gift.

## Key lines

> This is not the End; this can not be the End.

Zora refuses to believe that her current suffering and loss are permanent, clinging to a hope for a different future.

_Zora's internal mantra as she faces the loss of the Silver Fleece and her limited options._

> Could I trust you with a human soul?

Miss Smith asks Mrs. Vanderpool if she is capable of responsibly caring for Zora's well-being and development.

_Miss Smith's direct and serious question to Mrs. Vanderpool about her intentions and capability._

> She is in debt to the Cresswells, and they are pressing the claim to her service.

Zora is bound to work for the Cresswells because of a debt, and they are actively enforcing this obligation.

_Miss Smith explains the immediate threat that makes Zora's departure necessary._

## Links

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