The Walls of Jericho · Chapter
IX explained
At a dance, Shine confronts Linda after she insults him with Patmore's words, calling him a 'dirty rat.' Despite his attempts to apologize and win her over, she rebuffs him, leading to a tense standoff.
What happens
At a dance, Shine confronts Linda after she insults him with Patmore's words, calling him a 'dirty rat.' Despite his attempts to apologize and win her over, she rebuffs him, leading to a tense standoff. Shine's friends notice his unusual fixation on Linda, and he struggles with his feelings of anger and attraction.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Self-Deception
Shine's internal conflict between his cynical view of women and his genuine attraction to Linda reveals his self-deception about his own feelings.
Power and Control
Linda's insult and subsequent dismissal of Shine demonstrate a power dynamic where she controls the interaction, leaving Shine feeling powerless and angry.
Characters to notice
- Pat
Shine is deeply affected by Linda's insult, feeling wounded and angry, and later tries to apologize and win her favor.
- Linda Young
Linda delivers a cutting insult to Shine, then regrets it, but remains aloof and dismissive of his advances.
- Bubber Brown
Bubber and Jinx comment on Shine's unusual behavior, noting that Linda has 'put the locks on him.'
- Jinx Jenkins
Jinx engages in a playful debate with Bubber about language and observes Shine's distraction.
- Babe Merrimac
Babe dances with Shine but fails to engage him, as he is preoccupied with thoughts of Linda.
- Lottie Buttsby
Lottie dances with Shine and complains about his lack of enthusiasm, but cannot distract him.
Key passages
“Mr. Patmore said you were just a dirty rat.”
Linda tells Shine that Patmore described him as a contemptible person.
This insult deeply wounds Shine and sets the tone for the chapter.
“She’s the owl’s bow’ls,” Bubber epitomized.”
Bubber uses a colorful expression to praise Linda's attractiveness.
Shows the admiration others have for Linda, contrasting with Shine's conflicted feelings.
“Wrong number, I said,” the girl repeated less generously and pushed back her chair to rise.”
Linda dismisses Shine's approach, indicating she wants nothing to do with him.
Highlights Linda's rejection and Shine's persistence.