The Walls of Jericho · Chapter
XIX explained
Shine is agitated by Linda's refusal to see him for two weeks, leading to reckless behavior in work, drinking, and gambling.
What happens
Shine is agitated by Linda's refusal to see him for two weeks, leading to reckless behavior in work, drinking, and gambling. While moving a piano from Fred Merrit's country house, his distraction causes a near-fatal accident when the piano falls, but Linda's warning saves him. Their brief encounter reveals mutual feelings, though both retreat.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Isolation and Connection
Shine's isolation from Linda leads to reckless behavior, but the accident forces a moment of connection.
- Resilience and Survival
Shine survives the piano accident, and the workers' superstitions about escaping injury highlight their resilience.
Characters to notice
- Pat
Shine's reckless behavior is driven by his frustration over Linda's avoidance.
- Linda Young
Linda works in Merrit's house and avoids Shine, but her warning saves him from the falling piano.
- Bubber Brown
Bubber anchors the tackle on the roof, unknowingly using a faulty airduct, contributing to the accident.
- Jinx Jenkins
Jinx holds the guide rope and witnesses the piano's fall, expressing terror and relief.
- Fred Merrit
Merrit's piano is being moved; his house is the setting for the accident.
Key passages
“No mamma in this man’s world was tight enough to put it on him.”
No woman could control him.
Shine's stubborn refusal to admit Linda's influence.
“It sho’ as hell meant to get y’—but it’s long gone now.”
The piano was definitely out to get you, but it's gone now.
Jinx's relief that Shine escaped the falling piano.
