# VII explained — There Is Confusion

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

## What happens

Joanna and Sylvia observe children playing a folk dance game on the street, and Joanna eagerly joins in, displaying her natural talent and passion for performance. Later, at the Marshall home, Joanna teaches the dance to her siblings and friends, including Peter, Maggie, and Brian. The chapter also explores Miss Susan Graves' observations of Peter's growth through his association with the Marshalls, and her approval of the ambitious, cultured environment Joel Marshall has cultivated for his children.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Self-Expression

Joanna's spontaneous dance and her teaching of the barn dance highlight the theme of artistic expression as a joyful, communal activity.

### Ambition and Success

Joanna's determination to pursue the stage despite racial barriers, and Joel Marshall's deliberate planning for his children's future, underscore ambition and the pursuit of success.

### Class and Social Mobility

Miss Susan Graves' approval of the Marshalls' cultured home and her desire for Peter to rise above his circumstances reflect themes of class and social mobility.

## Character check-ins

### Joanna Marshall

Demonstrates her magnetic passion for dance and performance, teaching the barn dance to friends and family.

### Sylvia Marshall

Accompanies Joanna on the errand and participates in the home dance session.

### Peter Bye

Visits the Marshall home, learns the dance, and shows growing admiration for Joanna; his aunt approves of his association with the family.

### Maggie Ellersley

Arrives at the Marshall home and is instructed by Joanna in the barn dance.

### Philip Marshall

Participates in the dance and is described as a fine gentleman like his brother Alexander.

### Alexander Harley

Home from college for Easter vacation, joins in the fun and is noted for his thoughtful gallantry.

### Brian Spencer

Arrives during the dance, praises Joanna's performance, and is often found near Sylvia.

### Susan Bye

Reflects on Peter's improvement in manners due to the Marshall influence and approves of his visits.

## Key lines

> Joanna will never fall in love with anybody. She'll never be able to take her mind off long enough from her highfalutin dreams.

Miss Susan Graves believes Joanna's intense focus on her ambitious dreams will prevent her from falling in love.

_Highlights Joanna's single-minded ambition and Miss Susan's perception of her character._

> It's not going to make any difference to me. If I want to go on the stage I'll get there.

Joanna declares that her race will not stop her from achieving her dream of becoming a performer.

_Demonstrates Joanna's determination and defiance of racial barriers._

## Links

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