# XVI explained — The Walls of Jericho

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

## What happens

Shine attends a church service where he hears a sermon about the biblical story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho. The sermon, delivered by Tod Bruce, uses the story as an allegory for self-deception and the need for self-revelation. Shine is initially skeptical but is deeply affected by the message, which resonates with his own internal struggles. He later recounts the sermon to Jinx and Bubber in his own irreverent style, but the experience leaves a lasting impression on him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Self-Deception

The sermon directly addresses the theme of self-deception, urging listeners to confront their own illusions and seek self-knowledge.

### Secrets and Revelation

The sermon's call for self-revelation and the shattering of illusions parallels the novel's broader themes of uncovering hidden truths.

### Resilience and Survival

The allegory of Joshua's perseverance in besieging Jericho resonates with the characters' own struggles to overcome obstacles.

## Character check-ins

### Pat

Attends church service, listens to sermon, and later recounts it to friends.

### Linda Young

Accompanies Shine to church and guides his behavior during the service.

### Tod Bruce

Delivers the sermon on Joshua and Jericho, emphasizing self-revelation.

### Joshua Jones

Mentally compares the church service to a theater show.

### Jinx Jenkins

One of the friends to whom Shine recounts the sermon.

### Bubber Brown

One of the friends to whom Shine recounts the sermon.

## Key lines

> Self-revelation is the supreme experience, the chief victory, of a man’s life.

Discovering the truth about oneself is the most important achievement a person can make.

_Key message of the sermon, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness._

> It is the self-illusion which circumstance has thrown around a man’s own self.

The obstacles we face are often the false beliefs about ourselves that life has created.

_Explains the metaphor of the wall as self-deception._

> Don’t kid yourself.

Be honest with yourself.

_A simple motto quoted by the preacher to encourage self-honesty._

## Links

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