# Miss Caroline Wynn 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 Alwyn waits in Senator Smith's Washington office, dreaming of the city's possibilities. He observes the Senator's cynical political dealings with Mr. Easterly and Representative Todd. Bles meets Miss Caroline Wynn, a refined and educated Black woman, who helps him navigate the Senator's office. Later, Bles reconnects with Sam Stillings, who introduces him to Washington's Black elite society. At a church concert, Bles feels out of place among the sophisticated crowd, but Miss Wynn's attention and the pastor's kindness offer a glimmer of connection.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Quest for Identity and Dignity

Bles's journey in Washington is a search for a place where he can be a 'man' and find his ideal, while navigating the complexities of class and race among Black Americans.

### Class and Color Hierarchy

The chapter explores the social stratification within the Black community, from field hands to the 'aristocracy' Bles encounters at the church, highlighting the tensions and judgments based on class and color.

### Corruption of Philanthropy and Politics

Senator Smith and Mr. Easterly's scheming reveals the cynical manipulation of political power and legislation for personal and financial gain, undermining any notion of public service.

## Character check-ins

### Bles Alwyn

Dreams of making a life in Washington, feels both inspired and alienated by the city's Black population, and seeks a government clerkship.

### Carrie Wynn

A poised and educated Black woman who assists Bles with Senator Smith and later acknowledges him in society, showing a blend of confidence and social awareness.

### Senator Smith

Cynical about the American public, manipulates political dealings, and shows a flicker of recognition for Bles's potential.

### Sam Stillings

A former butler now navigating Washington politics, he is shrewd and opportunistic, using connections to advance his own ambitions.

### Mr. Easterly

A wealthy financier who orchestrates political strategy with Senator Smith, revealing the corrupt intersection of money and legislation.

## Key lines

> Do fools like the American people deserve salvation?

Senator Smith cynically questions whether the public is worthy of any genuine political effort.

_Reveals the Senator's contempt for the electorate and his self-serving political philosophy._

> I made ninety-three in the examination for a treasury clerkship.

Bles states he scored very high on the civil service exam for a Treasury job.

_Highlights Bles's qualifications and the systemic barriers he faces despite his merit._

> civil-service rules are not always impervious to race prejudice.

Miss Wynn suggests that even official hiring procedures can be undermined by racial bias.

_Directly points to the discrimination Black applicants faced in federal employment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters/xxii-miss-caroline-wynn
- 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