# XXXV explained — There Is Confusion

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

## What happens

Philip Marshall is dying, cared for by Maggie, who radiates peace. Joanna, consumed by guilt over a letter that led Maggie to marry Henderson Neal, confesses to Philip. He absolves her, reflecting that focusing on being 'colored' made him neglect life and love. He urges her to seek happiness as a warrior. Philip dies with Maggie's hand in his, leaving the family in mourning but Maggie serene, embarking on her Beauty Parlors venture with Joel's help.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Maggie's devoted care for Philip and Joanna's confession highlight love's redemptive and sacrificial power.

### Racial Prejudice and Identity

Philip's reflection on being 'colored' as a distraction from life's essentials underscores the theme of racial identity and its burdens.

### Ambition and Success

Maggie's resolve to build a business with Joel's help shows ambition channeled into practical success after personal loss.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Marshall

Dying, he forgives Joanna for her letter, shares his philosophy of happiness, and dies peacefully with Maggie.

### Maggie Ellersley

Devotedly cares for Philip, remains calm and cheerful after his death, and starts planning her Beauty Parlors with Joel.

### Joanna Marshall

Overwhelmed with remorse for the letter that caused Maggie's marriage, confesses to Philip, and learns from his wisdom.

### Sylvia Marshall

Grieves Philip, has wistful talks with Joanna and Sandy, and her interest in her children intensifies.

### Joel Marshall

Indulges in deep reveries after Philip's death, and advises Maggie on her business plans.

### Peter Bye

Visits Philip daily, and Philip is relieved that Peter seems unaware of their past misunderstanding.

## Key lines

> Happiness, love, contentment in our own midst, make it possible for us to face those foes without. ‘Happy Warriors,’ that’s the ideal for us. Only I realized it too late.

Philip tells Joanna that inner joy and love give strength to confront external enemies, and he wishes he had understood this sooner.

_Philip's final lesson to Joanna about prioritizing happiness over racial struggle._

> My being colored didn’t make me forget to provide myself with food and raiment. I shouldn’t have allowed it to make me forget love.

Philip explains that his racial identity never prevented him from meeting basic needs, and he regrets letting it overshadow his pursuit of love.

_Philip's insight on the mistake of letting racial preoccupations dominate life's essential experiences._

## Links

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