# Family and Sacrifice in Plum Bun

> Theme guide for Plum Bun by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

The novel examines the bonds and tensions within the Murray family, particularly the contrast between Virginia's loyalty and self-sacrifice for the race and Angela's pursuit of individual happiness at the cost of family connection.

## Where it surfaces

- [Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/plum-bun): Mattie's passing creates tension within the family, particularly with Virginia, and shapes Angela's future decisions.
- [Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/home): The family's home life is marked by sacrifices made to maintain stability and opportunity, highlighting the theme of familial bonds.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i): Mattie's shame at ignoring her husband and daughter during a passing excursion reveals the tension between personal pleasure and family loyalty, while Junius's forgiveness underscores the family's bond.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii): The chapter centers on the Murray family's close-knit Sunday rituals, with Virginia finding her identity in service to the family and Angela beginning to feel a subtle separation.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii): Mattie's marriage to Junius and her dedication to her family, as well as her concern for Angela's well-being, underscore family bonds and sacrifice.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v): Mattie and Junius's past sacrifices for their daughters' futures are recalled; the family celebrates Virginia's success together.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vi): Angela's choice to leave Jinny and sell the family home highlights the painful sacrifices made for personal ambition.
- [Market](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/market): Family members navigate the market together, underscoring familial bonds and shared responsibilities.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vi): Angela sacrifices her relationship with Jinny for the sake of her engagement to Roger, rationalizing that future help will atone for present cruelty.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vii): The sisters' argument reveals the emotional sacrifices and fractures that passing imposes on family relationships.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iii): Angela's protective concern for Virginia contrasts with her own risky choices. Rachel's vision of marriage as a joyful sacrifice unsettles Angela, who values personal freedom over domestic drudgery.
- [Home Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/home-again): The chapter highlights the sacrifices and bonds of family as Angela reconnects with her roots.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii): Angela's longing to reunite with Virginia and her willingness to sacrifice her independence for familial connection.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv): Angela reflects on how her family (Virginia, her parents) always gave to her while she took, and Anthony's family was destroyed by racial violence.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/v): Angela's guilt over cutting her sister Virginia at the station and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for Virginia's sake highlight the theme of family loyalty and sacrifice.
- [Market Is Done](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/market-is-done): Family bonds are evident as the Murray women navigate the market together, balancing personal desires with familial duties.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/i): Angela turns to her sister Jinny for support after her impulsive confession, and she sacrifices her own opportunities by aligning herself with Miss Powell's cause.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii): Angela reflects on her parents' home as a refuge and her own desire for a similar haven, while also protecting Virginia's secrets.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/themes/family_and_sacrifice
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/themes