# V explained — The Uncalled

> Chapter companion for The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

## What happens

After Margaret Brent's death, the community gossips about the fate of her son Freddie. Miss Hester Prime reveals to Mrs. Sallie Martin that she intends to raise the child herself, while Eliphalet Hodges also shows interest in the boy, buying him toys and candy, leading to a tense exchange with Miss Prime about how to properly raise a child.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Gossip

The chapter revolves around Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Smith's gossip-driven investigation into Freddie's fate, highlighting how the community monitors and judges personal decisions.

### Hypocrisy and Religion

Miss Prime's stern piety contrasts with Eliphalet Hodges' more indulgent approach, both invoking religious duty while differing on what that means for raising a child.

### Parental Legacy and Identity

Freddie's future is shaped by his mother's death and the competing influences of Miss Prime and Eliphalet Hodges, reflecting how parental legacy and community intervention define a child's path.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Hester Prime

Takes charge of Freddie after his mother's death, asserting her intention to raise him strictly and piously.

### Mrs. Sallie Martin

Gossips with Miss Prime and later with Mrs. Smith, eager to learn and spread news about Freddie's future.

### Eliphalet Hodges

Takes Freddie for a ride, buys him toys and candy, and expresses a desire to help raise the boy, clashing with Miss Prime's methods.

### Fred Brent

The orphaned child at the center of the community's discussion, brought home by Eliphalet Hodges with new toys.

### Mrs. Smith

Neighbor who eagerly awaits gossip from Mrs. Martin about Freddie's situation.

### Margaret Brent

Deceased mother of Freddie, discussed in the context of her funeral and her son's future.

## Key lines

> I kin train him up in the way he ought to go, an' keep him out o' other people's houses an' the street.

I can raise him properly and keep him away from bad influences.

_Miss Prime asserts her authority and moral purpose in raising Freddie._

> Swift are the wings of gossip, and swift were the feet of Mrs. Sallie Martin as she hurried back to tell the news to her impatient friend.

Gossip spreads quickly, and Mrs. Martin rushed to share her findings.

_Narrator emphasizes the speed and eagerness of gossip in the community._

> A little bit ain't a-goin' to hurt no child.

A small amount of candy won't harm a child.

_Eliphalet Hodges defends his indulgence of Freddie against Miss Prime's strictness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_uncalled_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters