# Chapter X explained — The Uncalled

> Chapter companion for The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

## What happens

Fred Brent continues his studies at the seminary, gaining recognition for his oratorical skills despite the community's prejudice against his parents. He falls in love with Elizabeth Simpson after hearing her sing a love song, but a conflict arises when he plays baseball, which Elizabeth and her father deem inappropriate for a future minister. Fred struggles with the narrow-mindedness of those around him, including his guardian Mrs. Hodges.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Judgment

Fred faces prejudice due to his parents' reputation and his upbringing on the 'mean street,' despite his personal achievements.

### Repression and Authenticity

Fred struggles against the community's narrow expectations, feeling forced to suppress his natural inclinations like playing baseball.

### Love and Control

Fred's love for Elizabeth is a softening influence, but her adherence to her father's views creates tension and control over his behavior.

## Character check-ins

### Fred Brent

Struggles with community prejudice, falls in love with Elizabeth, and rebels against restrictive expectations.

### Elizabeth Simpson

Fred's love interest; she is influenced by her father's conservative views, leading to conflict over Fred's baseball game.

### Eliphalet Hodges

Mentioned as a past positive influence who stood between Fred and despair during Miss Prime's discipline.

### Miss Hester Prime

Referenced in the context of her harsh discipline that would have turned Fred to bitterness.

### Mrs. Hester Hodges

Fred's guardian who criticizes his baseball playing as unfitting for a future minister.

### Tom Brent

Fred's father, remembered as a drunkard, contributing to community prejudice against Fred.

## Key lines

> When Fate is fighting with all her might against a human soul, the greatest victory that the soul can win is to reconcile itself to the unpleasant, which is never quite so unpleasant afterwards.

The best way to overcome adversity is to accept and adapt to difficult circumstances, which often makes them more bearable.

_Reflects Fred's instinctive approach to his seminary life._

> They were hailed as youthful prodigies and exploited around the country like a patent medicine or a sideshow.

Boy preachers were treated as novelties, paraded and marketed for public consumption rather than respected for genuine spiritual work.

_Fred's disdain for the 'boy preacher' phenomenon._

> What good can come out of that Nazareth?

How can anything valuable emerge from such a disreputable background?

_Reflects the community's prejudice against Fred due to his parents._

> It was a kiss in which reverence struggled with passion.

Fred's first kiss was a mix of deep respect and intense emotion.

_Describes the moment Fred and Elizabeth first kiss._

> I put baseball-playin' right down with dancin' and sich like. It ain't no fittin' occupation for anyone that's a-goin' into the ministry.

Mrs. Hodges equates baseball with dancing and other frivolous activities, deeming it unsuitable for a future minister.

_Mrs. Hodges' criticism of Fred's baseball game._

## Links

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