There Is Confusion · Chapter
XXXIII explained
The war is over and Harlem celebrates the return of its soldiers.
What happens
The war is over and Harlem celebrates the return of its soldiers. Joanna performs tirelessly for the troops, becoming a symbol of 'Miss America.' She meets Vera Manning, who has reinvented herself as an undercover investigator in the South, exposing racial injustices. Vera reveals that Alexander Harley will not return to America due to racial bitterness, and that Peter Bye is back but has not contacted Joanna. Vera also informs Joanna that Maggie Ellersley is marrying Joanna's brother, Philip. Joanna grapples with the emptiness of her fame and her lingering feelings for Peter.
Themes in this chapter
Racial Prejudice and Identity
Vera's undercover work and Harley's decision to stay in France highlight the pervasive racism and the struggle for identity and belonging.
War and Patriotism
The celebration of returning soldiers contrasts with the ingratitude and discrimination they face, as seen in the mobbing of black soldiers and the empty promises of freedom.
Ambition and Success
Joanna's fame feels hollow as she realizes her success cannot replace the personal fulfillment of love and family.
Characters to notice
- Joanna Marshall
Performs tirelessly for returning soldiers, feels the emptiness of fame, and learns from Vera that Peter is back but has not contacted her.
- Vera Manning
Has become an undercover investigator in the South, exposing racial injustices; reveals that Alexander Harley is staying in France and that Maggie is marrying Philip.
- Peter Bye
Returned from war, has not contacted Joanna; Vera reports he spoke of Harley's bitterness and that Maggie is marrying Philip.
- Maggie Ellersley
Reported by Vera to be marrying Joanna's brother Philip.
- Philip Marshall
Joanna's brother, who is reportedly marrying Maggie Ellersley.
- Alexander Harley
Has decided to remain in France due to racial bitterness; Vera received a message that he will not return to America.
Key passages
“She pressed her hand hard against her quivering mouth. “It seems he can’t forgive me. Peter told me so I could be prepared for anything I might hear. Oh, Janna, this terrible country with its false ideals! So you see why I’m glad there’s the South to go to—I’ve got to choose between life and death.”
Vera, struggling to hold back tears, explains that Harley cannot forgive her for her light skin, and that Peter warned her to be ready for harsh truths. She tells Janna that the country's hypocritical values drive her to seek purpose in the South, even at the risk of her life.
Vera's emotional confession reveals the deep personal impact of racial prejudice and her resolve to fight for justice.
“Probingly relentlessly into an evasive subconsciousness she evolved the realization that in those other days she had expected her singing, her dancing—her success in a word—to be the mere integument of her life, the big handsome extra wrap to cover her more ordinary dress—the essential, delightful commonplaces of living, the kernel of life, home, children, and adoring husband.”
Joanna realizes that she once thought her artistic success would be just a beautiful outer layer over a simple, happy life filled with home, family, and love. Now she sees that success has become the only thing she has, leaving her feeling empty.
Joanna's introspection underscores the theme of ambition versus personal fulfillment.
““I’m colored, see, but nobody would guess it; send me down there. See if I can’t get a line on those people.””
Vera tells Joanna that she volunteered to go undercover in the South because her light skin allows her to pass as white, enabling her to gather information about racist activities.
Vera's use of her appearance to fight racial injustice highlights the complexities of racial identity and activism.
