# XVII explained — The Walls of Jericho

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

## What happens

On a bright Sunday, Shine and Linda walk along Seventh Avenue after church, discussing the sermon and their differing views on religion and self-knowledge. Linda reveals she has a new job working for Fred Merrit, which Shine disapproves of due to Merrit's reputation. Their playful banter about turning the other cheek leads to a kiss and a slap, highlighting their complex dynamic.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Self-Deception

The sermon on knowing oneself sparks a conversation about self-awareness, with Linda pointing out that people often deceive themselves about their feelings.

### Secrets and Revelation

Linda's new job with Merrit is revealed, and Shine's hidden feelings for her become more apparent through their banter.

## Character check-ins

### Pat (Shine)

Walks with Linda after church, discusses the sermon, expresses disapproval of her new job, and attempts a playful kiss.

### Linda Young

Shares her plans to work for Fred Merrit, defends churchgoers, and responds to Shine's kiss with a slap.

### Fred Merrit

Mentioned as Linda's new employer, described by Shine as a 'jig' and a 'dickty' who drinks too much.

## Key lines

> Now ain’t she a hell of a Christian?

Shine is shocked and amused by Linda's slap, noting the irony of her Christian behavior.

_Highlights the tension between religious ideals and human actions._

> Make believe is right. Look at my landlady. My landlady lives in church—all day Sunday and mos’ every night in the week. Yea. But jes’ let me miss a week’s room rent—jes’ one, that’s all.

Shine criticizes the hypocrisy of churchgoers, using his landlady as an example of someone who is devout but unforgiving about rent.

_Reflects the theme of self-deception and the gap between professed beliefs and actual behavior._

## Links

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