# Selfishness vs. Community in Plum Bun

> Theme guide for Plum Bun by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

Angela's individualistic pursuit of personal happiness is set against the communal responsibilities and sacrifices expected within the African American community, a conflict highlighted by her sister Virginia's contrasting values.

## Where it surfaces

- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/vi): Angela's internal debate between personal ambition and loyalty to her sister illustrates the tension between selfish desires and communal bonds.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/ii): Roger's pursuit of his own desires without regard for Angela's future or reputation contrasts with Angela's awareness of how her choices would be judged by her former community in Opal Street.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv): Angela reflects on her loneliness and lack of genuine friendship, contrasting her selfless efforts with Roger's selfishness and the superficiality of her social circle.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/plum_bun_se/chapters/iv): Angela confronts her own selfishness in relationships, contrasting it with Anthony's selfless love and his mother's traumatized choices.

## Links

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