The Campaign explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Corruption of Philanthropy and Politics

  The chapter exposes the cynical use of political appointments as a 'sop' to control the Black vote, and the manipulative tactics used by figures like Carrie Wynn to gain influence and funding.

• Class and Color Hierarchy

  Carrie Wynn's discussion of skin color preferences and her own family's history of 'copying the white world' reveals the internalized colorism and class distinctions within the Black community.

• The Quest for Identity and Dignity

  Bles grapples with his personal integrity versus the allure of power and position, questioning whether accepting the offered offices would compromise his principles.

Characters to notice

• Bles Alwyn

  Returns to Washington after the campaign victory, receives political offers, and struggles with his conscience and ambitions.

• Carrie Wynn

  Advises Bles on his political career, reveals her pragmatic and manipulative approach to navigating white society, and proposes marriage to him.

• Senator Smith

  Presents Bles with the political opportunities, including a clerkship and the possibility of a higher office, while withholding the full context of the letters.

• Mrs. Vanderpool

  Acts on Zora's suggestion to secure a high political position for Bles, relaying the idea to Mr. Easterly.

• Zora Cresswell

  Though not present, her influence is felt as she suggests Bles for a high office, and her memory causes Bles to hesitate in his moment with Carrie Wynn.

Key passages

• “I’m not fitted for either of those high offices; there are many others who deserve more, and I don’t somehow like the idea of seeming to have worked hard in the campaign simply for money or fortune.”

  Bles feels unworthy of the offered positions and is uncomfortable with the idea that his campaign work might be seen as motivated by personal gain.

  Bles expresses his internal conflict and moral hesitation about accepting the political rewards.

• “Mr. Alwyn, the line between virtue and foolishness is dim and wavering, and I should hate to see you lost in that marshy borderland. By a streak of extraordinary luck you have gained the political leadership of Negroes in America. Here’s your chance to lead your people, and here you stand blinking and hesitating. Be a man!”

  Carrie Wynn warns Bles that his moral scruples are foolish and urges him to seize the opportunity for leadership, telling him to be a man.

  Carrie Wynn challenges Bles's hesitation and pushes him to embrace the political power he has gained.

• “One may be Chinese, Spaniard, even Indian—anything white or dirty white in this land, and demand decent treatment; but to be Negro or darkening toward it unmistakably means perpetual handicap and crucifixion.”

  Carrie Wynn explains that in America, only those who are white or nearly white can expect fair treatment, while being Black is a permanent disadvantage.

  Carrie Wynn articulates the harsh reality of racial prejudice in America.

• “I have a check for five hundred dollars to finish our cooking-school and buy a cast of Minerva for the assembly-room. More than that, I have now a wealthy friend. She thinks me an unusually clever person who, by a process of thought not unlike her own, has arrived at very similar conclusions.”

  Carrie Wynn reveals that by pretending to agree with a wealthy white woman's condescending views, she secured a donation for her school and gained a powerful ally.

  Carrie Wynn demonstrates her pragmatic and deceptive approach to securing resources from wealthy white patrons.

• “Yes, sometimes I do; once I was; but it’s a luxury few of us Negroes can afford. Then, too, I insist that it’s jolly to fool them.”

  Carrie Wynn admits that while she used to value frankness, it is a luxury she cannot afford as a Black woman, and she now enjoys deceiving white people.

  Carrie Wynn justifies her manipulative behavior as a necessary survival strategy.