# XXI explained — The Walls of Jericho

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

## What happens

Shine arrives at Fred Merrit's burned-out Court Avenue house, consumed by a murderous rage. The destruction of the house fuels his hatred, but upon finding Merrit alone and weeping over his mother's burnt portrait, Shine is unexpectedly moved and cannot bring himself to attack. He leaves, ashamed and conflicted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Survival

Shine's internal struggle and his decision to spare Merrit, despite his rage, shows a complex form of resilience against his own violent impulses.

### Secrets and Revelation

Shine discovers a vulnerable, human side of Merrit, which contradicts his previous perception and reveals a hidden depth to his adversary.

## Character check-ins

### Pat

Arrives at the ruined house with murderous intent, but is disarmed by the sight of Merrit's grief and leaves without confronting him.

### Fred Merrit

Found alone in the wreckage of his home, slumped over and crying while clutching the burnt frame of his mother's portrait.

### Linda Young

Mentioned as resting comfortably in the hospital, and as the object of Merrit's unwanted advances that fueled Shine's anger.

## Key lines

> Damn if the fays didn’t get ’im,” he muttered. “The dirty⁠—”

Shine curses, realizing that white people have destroyed Merrit's home.

_Shine's immediate reaction to seeing the ruined house, attributing the destruction to white racists._

> “Hell⁠—I’ll get ’im later⁠—Gee⁠—y’ can’t hit a guy when he’s down⁠—”

Shine rationalizes his decision to leave, telling himself he will deal with Merrit another time because it's wrong to attack someone already defeated.

_Shine's internal justification for sparing Merrit, revealing a sense of honor that overrides his vengeance._

## Links

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