# Chapter XXII explained — The Walls of Jericho

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

## What happens

Shine visits Linda in the hospital, where she confronts him about his tough exterior, revealing that his hardness is a wall built from fear. Their conversation leads to a moment of emotional connection, and Shine begins to understand his own self-deception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Self-Deception

Linda exposes Shine's tough persona as a wall built from fear, and he begins to see the illusion he has created.

### Isolation and Connection

The physical and emotional barriers between Shine and Linda dissolve as they share a moment of hand-holding, symbolizing a deep connection.

## Character check-ins

### Pat (Shine)

Visits Linda in the hospital and is confronted about his tough facade, leading to a moment of vulnerability.

### Linda Young

Recovering in the hospital, she challenges Shine's self-image and expresses her feelings for him.

### Bubber Brown

Impatiently honks the horn outside the hospital with Jinx, prompting a biblical reference.

### Jinx Jenkins

Waits outside with Bubber, honking the horn to hurry Shine.

## Key lines

> You’re not hard or mean or tough or any of those things. You’re just scared.

You're not actually tough; you're just afraid.

_Linda challenges Shine's self-perception._

> The walls must be tumblin’ down.

Your defenses are finally breaking down.

_Linda acknowledges Shine's emotional breakthrough._

## Links

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