Jake Brown

Home to Harlem

Returns to Harlem, feeling a sense of belonging and reconnecting with the neighborhood.

First Part

The central character, a young man navigating life in Harlem, working as a longshoreman and seeking connection.

I: Going Back Home

A black American longshoreman returning home after serving in WWI. He is disillusioned with Europe and yearns for Harlem.

II: Arrival

Returns to Harlem after two years, spends his pay-off on food, drink, and a woman, and wakes up penniless but happy.

III: Zeddy

Reunites with Zeddy, shares war stories, and is preoccupied with the brown girl he met the previous night.

IV: Congo Rose

Jake goes to the Baltimore seeking his honey girl, then to the Congo with Zeddy, where he meets Congo Rose and agrees to stay with her.

On the Job Again

Works as a longshoreman, refuses to scab, and intervenes in the fight between Zeddy and Nije.

Myrtle Avenue

Attends the party with Zeddy, is disgusted by the women and the atmosphere, and reflects on his past and the brown girl.

VII: Zeddy's Rise and Fall

Jake observes Zeddy's new situation with amusement and a sense of his own independence. He acts as a go-between, visiting Susy's for a feast and later accompanying Zeddy to the Congo, where he sits at his table.

VIII: The Raid of the Baltimore

Jake has stopped haunting the Baltimore after giving up hope on his lost brown, but he is present at Madame Suarez's buffet flat during the raid. His connection to Rose has given him access to a more elegant, worldly atmosphere, where he is a high favorite.

Jake Makes a Move

Jake confronts Rose about her visitor, slaps her, and ultimately decides to leave her.

Second Part

Returns to Harlem and reconnects with old acquaintances.

X: The Railroad

Working as a third cook on the railroad, trying to break Harlem's hold. Engages with a Haitian waiter and learns about Haiti and Toussaint L’Ouverture.

Snowstorm in Pittsburgh

Arrives in Pittsburgh, finds a woman quickly, and socializes with Ray and other railroad men, showing his adaptability and easygoing nature.

The Treeing of the Chef

Works as a waiter in the dining-car, silently resenting the chef's abuse and forming a strong friendship with Ray.

One Night in Philly

Persuades Ray to visit Madame Laura's house in Philadelphia; enjoys the atmosphere and becomes intimate with Laura.

Interlude

Ill and recovering, Jake ignores doctor's advice, drinks beer, and later suffers a severe pain attack after heavy drinking at Uncle Doc's.

XV: Relapse

Suffers a relapse from drinking beer, despite doctor's warnings. Plans to move to a new room.

XVI: A Practical Prank

Recovering from illness, plays a prank on Madame Laura, and engages in a debate about pimps and civilization.

He Also Loved

Narrator of the chapter, working at a saloon and living in Ma Lawton's flat.

A Farewell Feed

Hosts a farewell feed for Ray; expresses a wish for education and affection for Ray.

Third Part

Recovering from illness in a hospital, reflecting on his past and his relationships.

Spring in Harlem

Wanders through Harlem, reflecting on love and violence, and witnesses the fight involving Yaller Prince.

XX: Felice

Reunites with Felice, takes her to his room, and waits for her while she retrieves her belongings.

The Gift That Billy Gave

Celebrates with Felice, accepts Billy Biasse's gift, reconciles with Zeddy, and decides to leave Harlem for Chicago.