# IX explained — The Walls of Jericho

> Chapter companion for The Walls of Jericho by Rudolph Fisher.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_walls_of_jericho_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_walls_of_jericho_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_walls_of_jericho_se/chapters