The Sport of the Gods · Chapter
XIII: The Oakleys explained
A year after Berry Hamilton's arrest, the Oakleys maintain their daily routines while anxiously awaiting letters from Francis in Paris.
What happens
A year after Berry Hamilton's arrest, the Oakleys maintain their daily routines while anxiously awaiting letters from Francis in Paris. Maurice Oakley receives a bulky letter from his brother, but delays reading it until his wife returns. When he finally reads it, the contents shock him so severely that he collapses. The letter reveals that Francis knew Berry was innocent all along, as he himself had taken the money. Mrs. Oakley reads the letter and, together with Maurice, they decide to keep the truth hidden to protect the family's honor, even if it means Berry remains in prison.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
The Oakleys present themselves as pious and moral, yet they knowingly allow an innocent man to remain imprisoned to protect their family's reputation.
Racial Injustice
Berry Hamilton's innocence is irrelevant to the Oakleys; his suffering is dismissed because of his race, highlighting the devaluation of Black lives.
Family Disintegration
The Oakley family's unity is built on a lie; Francis's confession and the subsequent cover-up reveal the moral decay at the family's core.
Characters to notice
- Maurice Oakley
Maurice becomes more distrustful and testy with servants; receives Francis's confession letter and suffers a collapse; resolves to conceal the truth to protect the family name.
- Mrs. Oakley
Remains acquiescent and trusting of her husband; reads Francis's letter and agrees to keep the secret, prioritizing family honor over justice.
- Francis Oakley
Writes a confession letter from Paris admitting he took the money and that Berry is innocent; expresses regret and fear of facing his brother.
- Berry Hamilton
Mentioned as being in prison, innocent of the theft; the Oakleys decide to let him remain incarcerated to protect their secret.
- Claire Lessing
Mentioned as the woman the Oakleys hope Francis will marry; she has recently come into a fortune.
Key passages
“What is Berry to Frank? What is that nigger to my brother? What are his sufferings to the honour of my family and name?”
Maurice Oakley dismisses Berry's humanity and suffering, prioritizing the Oakley family honor over justice.
This quote encapsulates the racial dehumanization and moral corruption central to the chapter.
“It must never be known, I say, if Berry has to rot in jail.”
Maurice insists on concealing the truth even if it means Berry remains imprisoned for life.
Shows the deliberate choice to perpetuate injustice for the sake of reputation.