Home to Harlem · Chapter
Second Part explained
The chapter opens with Jake Brown returning to Harlem after his time away.
What happens
The chapter opens with Jake Brown returning to Harlem after his time away. He reconnects with his old friend Zeddy, who is now being kept by Susy. Jake finds work as a longshoreman and moves in with Congo Rose, a woman he meets. The chapter depicts Jake's life in Harlem, his relationships, and his experiences with work and leisure.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the narrator, stripped of his last private space and forced into a crowded, sha…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Home and Belonging
Jake's return to Harlem and his search for a place to stay and a sense of community.
- Labor and Class
Jake's work as a longshoreman and the economic realities of life in Harlem.
Characters to notice
- Jake Brown
Returns to Harlem and reconnects with old acquaintances.
- Zeddy Plummer
Jake's old friend, now being kept by Susy.
- Gin-head Susy
A woman who is keeping Zeddy.
- Congo Rose
A woman Jake moves in with after meeting her.
Key passages
“Second Part”
The chapter begins a new section of the narrative.
This is the only text provided for the chapter.
