The Walls of Jericho · Chapter
IX explained
At a dance, Shine confronts Linda after she insults him with Patmore's words, calling him a 'dirty rat.' Despite his attempts to apologize and win her over, she rebuffs him, leading to a tense standoff.
What happens
At a dance, Shine confronts Linda after she insults him with Patmore's words, calling him a 'dirty rat.' Despite his attempts to apologize and win her over, she rebuffs him, leading to a tense standoff. Shine's friends notice his unusual fixation on Linda, and he struggles with his feelings of anger and attraction.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of the protagonist’s interna…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Identity and Self-Deception
Shine's internal conflict between his cynical view of women and his genuine attraction to Linda reveals his self-deception about his own feelings.
- Power and Control
Linda's insult and subsequent dismissal of Shine demonstrate a power dynamic where she controls the interaction, leaving Shine feeling powerless and angry.
Characters to notice
- Pat
Shine is deeply affected by Linda's insult, feeling wounded and angry, and later tries to apologize and win her favor.
- Linda Young
Linda delivers a cutting insult to Shine, then regrets it, but remains aloof and dismissive of his advances.
- Bubber Brown
Bubber and Jinx comment on Shine's unusual behavior, noting that Linda has 'put the locks on him.'
- Jinx Jenkins
Jinx engages in a playful debate with Bubber about language and observes Shine's distraction.
- Babe Merrimac
Babe dances with Shine but fails to engage him, as he is preoccupied with thoughts of Linda.
- Lottie Buttsby
Lottie dances with Shine and complains about his lack of enthusiasm, but cannot distract him.
Key passages
“Mr. Patmore said you were just a dirty rat.”
Linda tells Shine that Patmore described him as a contemptible person.
This insult deeply wounds Shine and sets the tone for the chapter.
“She’s the owl’s bow’ls,” Bubber epitomized.”
Bubber uses a colorful expression to praise Linda's attractiveness.
Shows the admiration others have for Linda, contrasting with Shine's conflicted feelings.
“Wrong number, I said,” the girl repeated less generously and pushed back her chair to rise.”
Linda dismisses Shine's approach, indicating she wants nothing to do with him.
Highlights Linda's rejection and Shine's persistence.
