The Sport of the Gods · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Sport of the Gods by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

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Chapter 1
The Hamiltons
This chapter introduces the Hamilton family, focusing on Berry and Fannie Hamilton, their home, and their children Joe and Kitty. Berry, a former slave, has worked as butler for Maurice Oakley for twenty years, and the family lives in a comfortable cottage on the Oakley estate. The chapter describes their peaceful, industrious life, their pride in their children, and the preparations for a farewell dinner for Francis Oakley, which involves the whole household.
Chapter 2
A Farewell Dinner
Maurice Oakley, a conservative and adaptable man, hosts a farewell dinner for his younger half-brother Francis, who is returning to Paris to pursue his art. The Oakleys hope Francis will marry Claire Lessing and settle in America, but Francis remains aloof. During the dinner, Francis discovers that the money for his letter of credit has been stolen from his bureau. He hides his distress, rejoins the guests, and later arranges to discuss the loss with Maurice in private.
Chapter 3
III: The Theft
Francis Oakley discovers that nearly a thousand dollars has been stolen from his locked cabinet. Despite his trust in the butler Berry Hamilton, circumstantial evidence—including a window overlooking Berry's cottage—leads Maurice Oakley and a detective to suspect him. Frank is deeply distressed but agrees to let his brother handle the investigation while he prepares to leave for Paris.
Chapter 4
From a Clear Sky
On the morning of Francis Oakley's departure, Berry Hamilton cheerfully rouses his family to help with the early preparations. After Francis leaves, Maurice Oakley and a detective confront Berry about a $500 bank deposit, accusing him of stealing Francis's money. Despite Berry's explanation that the money was saved over four years, Maurice orders his arrest. Fannie Hamilton pleads with Mrs. Oakley in vain, and Berry is handcuffed and taken away, leaving Fannie devastated.
Chapter 5
V: The Justice of Men
Berry Hamilton is arrested and convicted for stealing from Maurice Oakley, despite a lack of evidence and his previously spotless reputation. The community, both black and white, turns against him, with former friends and church members disavowing him. After his conviction and ten-year sentence, Maurice Oakley evicts Fannie Hamilton from the cottage. Joe Hamilton, hardened by the injustice, stays up all night with burning eyes, while the women of the household weep.

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The Hamiltons

A Farewell Dinner

III: The Theft

From a Clear Sky

V: The Justice of Men