The Walls of Jericho · Chapter
XXIII explained
In this chapter, Shine confronts Henry Patmore, who has been revealed as the arsonist behind Merrit's house fire and the one who attacked Linda.
What happens
In this chapter, Shine confronts Henry Patmore, who has been revealed as the arsonist behind Merrit's house fire and the one who attacked Linda. A violent fight erupts in Patmore's pool parlor, drawing in Bubber and Jinx. Shine nearly kills Patmore but is stopped by a thrown pool ball that shatters a mirror, snapping him out of his rage. Later, Shine reflects on his new outlook, feeling a sense of superiority and a new philosophy: 'The guy that's really hard is the guy that's hard enough to be soft.' He also realizes he forgot to ask Linda where she was going from the hospital.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Control
Shine's physical dominance over Patmore and his internal struggle for control over his rage and actions.
Redemption and Forgiveness
Shine's decision to spare Patmore and his new philosophy about being 'hard enough to be soft' reflect themes of forgiveness and personal growth.
Identity and Self-Deception
Shine's new outlook on himself and his place in the world, moving away from a need for violence to define his identity.
Characters to notice
- Pat
Shine confronts Patmore, who confesses by reaching for his gun. They engage in a brutal fight, and Shine nearly kills him before being stopped.
- Linda Young
Linda is mentioned as resting comfortably in the hospital, and Shine regrets not asking where she was going from there.
- Fred Merrit
Merrit is referenced as crying like a baby, and Shine reflects on letting him off unpunished.
- Bubber Brown
Bubber participates in the fight, kicking an interferer and gleefully trouncing others.
- Jinx Jenkins
Jinx knocks Pat's gun out of line and gets involved in the brawl, using a pianohold on an adversary.
- Henry Patmore
Patmore is the antagonist, drunk and frantic, who confesses to arson and assault by reaching for his gun. He is nearly killed by Shine.
Key passages
“The guy that’s really hard is the guy that’s hard enough to be soft.”
True strength lies in the ability to be gentle and forgiving.
Shine's new personal philosophy after his confrontation with Patmore.
“He had finally been able to phrase it for himself in terms that brought it home to him, terms that made it ridiculous to feel shame for having let Merrit off unpunished.”
He realized that feeling ashamed for not punishing Merrit was foolish.
Shine's reflection on his decision to spare Merrit.