# Chapter X explained — There Is Confusion

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

## What happens

Joanna and Brian discuss Peter's plans to study in Philadelphia for six or seven years, and Brian teases Joanna about her ambitions. Later, Brian reveals that Maggie has feelings for Philip, sparking Joanna's fierce protectiveness over her brother's future. Joanna reflects on Philip's grand aspirations and resolves to intervene, writing a note to Maggie.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Success

Joanna's fierce drive to become a stage performer and Philip's vision of becoming a racial leader illustrate the theme of ambition and the desire to achieve greatness despite societal barriers.

### Class and Social Mobility

Joanna's disdain for Maggie's humble origins and her focus on 'background' and 'worthwhile people' highlight class distinctions within the African American community and the struggle for social mobility.

### Love and Sacrifice

Peter's long wait for Joanna and Joanna's protective stance over Philip's future reflect the sacrifices and tensions that love and ambition create.

## Character check-ins

### Joanna Marshall

Joanna is eighteen, ambitious, and fiercely protective of her brother Philip's future. She is a soloist in the church choir and dreams of a stage career.

### Brian Spencer

Brian is Joanna's brother-in-law, in love with Sylvia. He teases Joanna about Peter and reveals Maggie's feelings for Philip.

### Peter Bye

Peter is twenty, planning to study medicine in Philadelphia for six or seven years. He is in love with Joanna and jealous of Brian.

### Maggie Ellersley

Maggie is a high school graduate who aspires to rise above her humble background. She has feelings for Philip, which Joanna disapproves of.

### Philip Marshall

Philip is a Harvard junior with grand ambitions to uplift the colored race. Joanna sees him as a future leader and is determined to protect his path.

### Joel Marshall

Joel is Joanna's father, who approves of Brian's relationship with Sylvia and considers moving to Harlem.

## Key lines

> I am colored, of course, but American first. Why shouldn’t I speak to all America?

Joanna asserts her identity as both colored and American, believing she has the right to address the entire nation through her art.

_This quote encapsulates Joanna's ambition to transcend racial boundaries and achieve universal recognition._

> She shan’t spoil my brother’s chances.

Joanna is determined to prevent Maggie from interfering with Philip's future success.

_This reveals Joanna's protective and somewhat elitist attitude toward her brother's ambitions._

> What ambition has she?

Joanna questions Maggie's aspirations, dismissing her as unworthy of Philip.

_This highlights the class and ambition-based conflict between Joanna and Maggie._

## Links

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