# XII explained — The Walls of Jericho

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

## What happens

At a dance, a commotion erupts when a man in gray harasses Linda, who is in a gypsy costume. Shine intervenes, and the crowd watches as Patmore retreats. Meanwhile, Miss Cramp attempts a conversation with Nora Byle, which devolves into a series of racial misunderstandings and revelations, including the shocking discovery that Fred Merrit is a Negro.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Self-Deception

Miss Cramp's assumptions about race and identity are shattered, revealing her own self-deception about the social order.

### Secrets and Revelation

The revelation that Fred Merrit is a Negro is a key moment, exposing hidden truths and challenging perceptions.

## Character check-ins

### Linda Young

Harassed by a man in gray at the dance; rescued by Shine.

### Pat

Breaks through the crowd to protect Linda, confronts Patmore, and leaves with her.

### Miss Agatha Cramp

Observes the commotion and later engages in an awkward conversation with Nora Byle, revealing her racial prejudices.

### Nora Byle

Engages in a pointed conversation with Miss Cramp, subtly challenging her assumptions and revealing Fred Merrit's racial identity.

### Fred Merrit

Discussed in conversation; revealed to be a Negro, shocking Miss Cramp.

## Key lines

> Your people seem to enjoy themselves so.

Miss Cramp makes a patronizing comment about Black people's apparent happiness.

_This line highlights the racial condescension and lack of understanding in the conversation._

> How much white blood have you?

Miss Cramp asks Nora Byle about her racial makeup, a deeply offensive and intrusive question.

_This question underscores the era's obsession with racial purity and the insensitivity of such inquiries._

## Links

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