# XXXIV explained — There Is Confusion

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

## What happens

Peter Bye returns from war, passes his medical exams, and seeks out Joanna Marshall after learning of her selfless act to protect him. They reunite, reconcile their past, and decide to marry, acknowledging the challenges of being Black in America. Peter also visits Meriwether Bye's widow, who reveals her deep-seated racism, and reflects on Meriwether's legacy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Prejudice and Identity

The chapter explores the pervasive impact of racism on personal choices, relationships, and self-perception, as seen in Peter and Joanna's discussion of the 'color line' and the widow's racist outburst.

### Love and Sacrifice

Joanna's willingness to sacrifice her career for Peter and their mutual commitment to each other despite societal pressures highlight the theme of love as a refuge.

### War and Patriotism

Peter's service in World War I and his reflections on Meriwether Bye's death underscore the irony of fighting for a country that denies full citizenship to Black soldiers.

## Character check-ins

### Peter Bye

Returns from war, passes state-board exams, reconciles with Joanna, and visits Meriwether Bye's widow.

### Joanna Marshall

Reunites with Peter, agrees to marry him, and reflects on the burden of being Black in America.

### Meriwether Bye

Posthumously influences Peter's decision to live fully and marry Joanna; his widow is visited by Peter.

### Harry Portor

Confronts Peter about his intentions toward Maggie and Joanna, then drives Peter to Joanna's house.

### Maggie Ellersley

Mentioned as having broken off her engagement with Peter in Chambéry.

### Sylvia Marshall

Mentioned as having children who visit Joanna; her son Roger lets Peter into the house.

## Key lines

> my job was finished, but you would have to carry on. You’ll have to finish up my life, Peter.

Meriwether Bye told Peter that his own purpose was complete, and that Peter must now continue his work.

_Peter recounts Meriwether's dying wish, which inspires him to live fully and marry Joanna._

> Why should I give up my country? It is my country even if my skin is black?

Tom Mason's sister refuses to leave America despite racial oppression, asserting her right to belong.

_Peter shares this example to illustrate the painful dilemma faced by many Black Americans._

> To think that the Lord would let Meriwether Bye be killed and would let his nigger live!

Meriwether's widow expresses her racist belief that a Black man like Peter should have died instead of her white husband.

_This moment reveals the deep-seated racism that persists even in grief._

## Links

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