There Is Confusion · Chapter
XIII explained
The chapter follows Peter and Joanna through the end of summer and into the fall, as Peter returns to Philadelphia for his studies and Joanna prepares for a concert tour.
What happens
The chapter follows Peter and Joanna through the end of summer and into the fall, as Peter returns to Philadelphia for his studies and Joanna prepares for a concert tour. Their relationship deepens, with Peter's devotion growing more intense while Joanna remains focused on her career. The chapter culminates in their Christmas engagement and Joanna's dance performance.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Success
Joanna's dedication to her career and Peter's drive to succeed in his studies and social life highlight the theme of ambition. Joanna views love as secondary to her professional goals, while Peter works hard to prove himself worthy of her.
Love and Sacrifice
The chapter explores the tension between love and personal ambition. Peter sacrifices time and comfort to be with Joanna, while Joanna sacrifices immediate emotional intimacy for her career. Their engagement is a moment of commitment despite the challenges ahead.
Characters to notice
- Joanna Marshall
Joanna is deeply focused on her career, practicing trills and dancing, while also developing feelings for Peter. She struggles with loneliness and the impending separation from Peter, but remains committed to her work.
- Peter Bye
Peter is devoted to Joanna, working hard in Philadelphia, playing in a cabaret, and saving money. He is deeply in love and feels physical pain at the thought of separation, but channels his energy into his studies and social life.
- Sylvia Marshall
Sylvia is engaged to Brian Spencer and is planning an Easter wedding. She is popular and has many friends, contrasting with Joanna's more solitary nature.
- Brian Spencer
Brian is Sylvia's fiancé, who insisted on getting a good start before marrying. He is mentioned in the context of the engagement and wedding plans.
- Joel Marshall
Joel is one of the first ten colored men in Harlem to own an automobile, which he uses for transportation between home and business.
- Bertully
Monsieur Bertully is Joanna's dance teacher, who choreographs the benefit performance for the Pierce Day Nursery.
Key passages
“She had a very real, very ardent feeling for Peter. But it was still small, if one may speak of a feeling by size. Her love for him was a new experience, a fresh interest in her already crowded life, but it had not pushed aside the other interests.”
Joanna genuinely cared for Peter, but her love was not all-consuming; it was just one of many interests in her busy life.
This passage illustrates Joanna's balanced approach to love and ambition.
“Peter, you must go, you must, really. We—we can’t go on like this. We’ve got to prepare ourselves while we’re young for the future.”
Joanna insists that Peter must leave for Philadelphia, emphasizing the need to focus on their futures rather than their immediate feelings.
Joanna's practicality and focus on long-term goals are evident here.
“Dear Peter, I love you and I’m going to marry you.”
Joanna formally agrees to marry Peter during their Christmas morning encounter.
This marks a significant milestone in their relationship, despite Joanna's earlier evasiveness.