# III explained — There Is Confusion

> Chapter companion for There Is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

## What happens

This chapter explores the origins and consequences of the racial divide between the white and black Bye families in Philadelphia, focusing on Isaiah Bye's pride in his slave ancestry and his rejection of subservience after a childhood conversation with Meriwether Bye. It also introduces Joanna Marshall's early encounter with Peter Bye, whose lack of ambition contrasts with her own fixity of purpose, and traces Peter's lineage back to the black Byes, including Ceazer and Judy, and the white Byes, Aaron and Dinah.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Prejudice and Identity

The chapter contrasts the white Byes' assumption of superiority with the black Byes' struggle for pride and independence, as seen in Isaiah's rejection of subservience and Ceazer's hatred of slavery.

### Class and Social Mobility

Isaiah Bye's rise from slave ancestry to opening a school exemplifies social mobility, while Meriwether's condescension reinforces class barriers.

### Family and Community

The intertwined histories of the white and black Bye families highlight the legacy of slavery and the bonds within the black community, such as Belle Bye's support for Isaiah's independence.

## Character check-ins

### Isaiah Bye

Develops a sturdy independence and unyielding pride after a childhood conversation with Meriwether Bye; opens a school for colored youth on Vine Street.

### Meriwether Bye

As a child, condescendingly tells Isaiah Bye he could be a good servant, sparking Isaiah's lifelong resentment.

### Peter Bye

First seen by Joanna Marshall as a dark, beautiful but shiftless boy; his lack of ambition is attributed to a warped heredity and tradition.

### Joanna Marshall

Meets Peter Bye at school; her love for beauty and fixity of purpose lead her to dismiss him as someone who doesn't want to be anybody.

### Ceazer Bye

Proud, surly former slave who refuses to take the Bye surname; hates slavery and all white people; runs away into legend.

### Judy Bye

Tall, straight, black woman with an inexplicable attachment to the white Bye family; marries Ceazer and later writes her name in a testament.

### Aaron Bye

White Quaker who frees his slaves in 1780; patriarchal and kind to his slaves, but resented by Ceazer and Isaiah.

### Joshua Bye

Black Bye who learns to write from Aaron Bye; peasant type who believes in a superior class; father of Isaiah.

## Key lines

> No amount of contumely ever made him ashamed of his slave ancestry. On the contrary, to measure himself against old Ceazer and Judy gave him ground for honest pride.

Isaiah Bye never felt shame about his slave heritage; instead, comparing himself to his ancestors Ceazer and Judy filled him with genuine pride.

_Highlights Isaiah's pride in his lineage despite societal contempt._

> You'll never be able to say that about me.

Isaiah Bye tells Meriwether Bye that he will never be described as a good servant, rejecting the future Meriwether envisioned for him.

_Key moment of defiance that shapes Isaiah's independence._

> I don't believe that you kin go as fur as you dream. Too many things agin you fur that, boy. But you kin die much further along the road than when you was born. Never forget that.

Belle Bye advises Isaiah that while he may not achieve all his dreams due to obstacles, he can still make significant progress beyond his starting point.

_Belle's wisdom tempers Isaiah's ambition with realism._

> It's just that he doesn't care; he just doesn't want to be anybody.

Joanna concludes that Peter Bye is not lazy but simply lacks the desire to achieve anything in life.

_Joanna's judgment of Peter reflects her own ambitious nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/there_is_confusion_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters