# XIX explained — The Walls of Jericho

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

## What happens

Shine is agitated by Linda's refusal to see him for two weeks, leading to reckless behavior in work, drinking, and gambling. While moving a piano from Fred Merrit's country house, his distraction causes a near-fatal accident when the piano falls, but Linda's warning saves him. Their brief encounter reveals mutual feelings, though both retreat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Connection

Shine's isolation from Linda leads to reckless behavior, but the accident forces a moment of connection.

### Resilience and Survival

Shine survives the piano accident, and the workers' superstitions about escaping injury highlight their resilience.

## Character check-ins

### Pat

Shine's reckless behavior is driven by his frustration over Linda's avoidance.

### Linda Young

Linda works in Merrit's house and avoids Shine, but her warning saves him from the falling piano.

### Bubber Brown

Bubber anchors the tackle on the roof, unknowingly using a faulty airduct, contributing to the accident.

### Jinx Jenkins

Jinx holds the guide rope and witnesses the piano's fall, expressing terror and relief.

### Fred Merrit

Merrit's piano is being moved; his house is the setting for the accident.

## Key lines

> No mamma in this man’s world was tight enough to put it on him.

No woman could control him.

_Shine's stubborn refusal to admit Linda's influence._

> It sho’ as hell meant to get y’⁠—but it’s long gone now.

The piano was definitely out to get you, but it's gone now.

_Jinx's relief that Shine escaped the falling piano._

## Links

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