There Is Confusion · Chapter
XXVII explained
Joanna awakens resolved to abandon her dreams of dancing and Peter, planning to dedicate herself to teaching music at a colored school in the South.
What happens
Joanna awakens resolved to abandon her dreams of dancing and Peter, planning to dedicate herself to teaching music at a colored school in the South. However, a visit from Miss Vera Sharples offers her a chance to dance at the District Line Theater in 'The Dance of the Nations.' At a rehearsal in Greenwich Village, Joanna impresses the Board with her performance, incorporating real colored children, and is offered the role.
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 Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Joanna’s suffering, where…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Racial Prejudice and Identity
Joanna's plans are frustrated by color prejudice, and Essie's daughter faces discouragement from white teachers. The theater's need for a 'colored' dancer underscores racial barriers.
- Art and Self-Expression
Joanna's audition and the Board's serious discussion of dance emphasize art as a means of expression and overcoming prejudice.
- Ambition and Success
Joanna initially abandons her ambition, but the unexpected offer rekindles her drive to succeed as a dancer.
Characters to notice
- Joanna Marshall
Resolves to give up dancing and Peter, but accepts an unexpected opportunity to dance at the District Line Theater.
- Sylvia Marshall
Briefly appears, informing Joanna of Miss Sharples' visit.
- Vera Sharples
Offers Joanna a role in 'The Dance of the Nations' at the District Line Theater.
- Essie
Brings Joanna breakfast and shares her worries about her daughter Myrtle facing discouragement at school.
- Francis
Pale young pianist who plays for Joanna's audition and helps gather colored children for the rehearsal.
- Mr. Hale
Tall, dark man on the Board who praises Joanna's performance and confirms she will be tried for the role.
Key passages
“Her romance would hereafter lie behind her. From this day on she would dedicate herself to one interest, which should be the fixed purpose of her life; now that she thought of it she would give up the idea of dancing, too.”
Joanna decides to put her romantic past behind her and focus on a single life purpose, even abandoning her dream of dancing.
Joanna's resolve to move on from Peter and her stage ambitions.
“You know, art to my eye is art, and there's no sense in letting a foolish prejudice interfere with it.”
Miss Sharples believes that art should not be hindered by prejudice.
Miss Sharples' progressive view on racial barriers in art.
“I suppose you'll need them.”
Mr. Hale acknowledges that Joanna will need the children for her performance.
Mr. Hale's practical support for Joanna's artistic vision.
