As the Narrator drives Mr. Norton back to campus, he is consumed by anxiety and fear. He wonders whether Mr. Norton is upset with him and wonders about the consequences of his actions, including the possibility of expulsion and what his family might think if that happens. In his mind, he blames Trueblood for keeping Mr. Norton in the sun for too long which forced him to take Mr. Norton to the Golden Day. The campus, once a symbol of familiarity and beauty, now feels ominous and foreboding to the Narrator.
He imagines himself apologising to Mr. Norton and distancing himself from the likes of Trueblood and the unruly patrons of the Golden Day. When they arrive, Mr. Norton simply asks to be taken to his room and requests a meeting with Dr. Bledsoe, the college president. The Narrator attempts an apology, but Mr. Norton remains unresponsive.
As he walks to Dr. Bledsoe’s office, the Narrator reflects on how much he admires Bledsoe. He aspires to emulate his success, wealth and the respect he commands from white people. When the Narrator reaches Dr Bledsoe’s office and recounts the events, Bledsoe’s anger erupts. He chastises the Narrator for not being shrewd enough to prevent Mr. Norton from following his whims, adding that he only reveals to white people what he chooses for them to see.
Bledsoe rushes to Mr. Norton’s room, with the Narrator trailing behind. After collecting himself, Bledsoe offers profuse apologies to Mr. Norton and shifts the blame entirely onto the Narrator. However, Mr. Norton is gracious to insist that the Narrator is not at fault and offers to explain the situation. He sends the Narrator away, and Bledsoe instructs him to attend chapel that evening.
Back in his room, the Narrator’s roommate jokes with him before heading to dinner. Shortly after, a fellow student delivers a message that Bledsoe wants to see him in Rabb Hall, where Mr. Norton is staying. When the Narrator arrives and enters Mr. Norton’s room, Norton reassures him that he is not to blame and informs him that Bledsoe had to leave but will see him after chapel. Buoyed by Mr. Norton’s kind words, the Narrator momentarily feels a sense of relief.
Things to Note:
The Narrator Still Maintains a Mask of Innocence: Despite the disturbing events of the day, the Narrator is more preoccupied with Mr. Norton’s disapproval and his own future than with the unsettling realities he has witnessed. He deflects accountability by blaming Trueblood and refuses to confront his own role in the incident. He refuses to ponder on the words of the ex-doctor who had revealed to him that he was a mere pawn in a white man’s game. For the Narrator, the college symbolised his path to success, but now, under the shadow of potential expulsion, it appears menacing. His apologies to Mr. Norton are an attempt to dissociate himself from the culture and people Mr. Norton encountered, highlighting his internal conflict and desire for validation.
Multiple Choice Questions
What does the Narrator blame for having to take Mr. Norton to the Golden Day?
A. His own poor decisions
B. Trueblood's actions
C. Mr. Norton's persistence
D. The ex- doctor's interference
How does Dr. Bledsoe react to the Narrator’s account of the events?
A. He is sympathetic and supportive
B. He criticises Mr. Norton for his choices
C. He becomes furious with the Narrator
D. He dismisses the incident as trivial
What is Dr. Bledsoe's philosophy about dealing with white people?
A. Show them everything openly
B. Follow their orders without question
C. Only reveal what he wants them to see
D. Keep them entirely uninformed
What is the main theme explored in the Narrator’s interactions with Mr. Norton and Dr. Bledsoe?
A. Power dynamics and manipulation
B. Friendship and loyalty
C. Fear and rebellion
D. Education and growth
ANSWERS: 1. B 2. C 3. C 4. A
Discuss the internal conflict faced by the Narrator in attempting to dissociate himself from the culture Mr. Norton encountered.
Analyse Dr. Bledsoe’s reaction to the events and what it reveals about his character and approach to power.
Reflect on the significance of the ex-doctor’s warning and how it foreshadows the Narrator’s realisation about his position in society.
Describe the role of fear in shaping the Narrator’s actions and decisions throughout the passage.
Explore the power dynamics between Mr. Norton, Dr. Bledsoe, and the Narrator. How do these dynamics reflect broader societal structures?
