Setting of the Novel Harlem March 1935 Religious Background

Content of the novel Three parts Part one : The Seventh Day Part Two: The Prayers of the Saints Florence’s Prayer Gabriel’s Prayer Elizabeth’s Prayer Part Three: The Threshing Floor

Plot Construction Part First: The Seventh Day Novel begins with John- morning Fourteenth birthday of John Earlier memories of John of Sunday-going to church The Temple of the Fire Baptized- name of Church

First Chapter Saturday- John’s Birthday Woke up early in the morning-nobody woke up Upset- went to bed again- thought mother forgot his birthday- Roy quarreled with mother- father had gone to the factory work for half a day

First Chapter Mother justified the love of father, though he bet them Mother assigned the work of sweeping front room to john. He washed photographs of family By eleven, mother gave him some money to purchase birthday gift before father comes.

First Chapter John went in the central park Went on the summit, prayed god. Saw white people enjoying life in the park. He saw the great movie poster. Went before Broadway theatre. He looked here and there and went inside the theatre. Movie is about an evil white woman who had a terrible disease. It was a curse of God because she deceived a young student and took his all money.

First Chapter The picture of hell showed John came out with fear. It was quite late. While returning home, he saw Sarah running past him. Crowd was before the house. One of them said, “Boy, your brother was hurt real bad today”. Blood spattered on the floor. Roy was got stabbed. Mother cleaned blood, Roy was lying on the sofa.

First Chapter Aunt Florence was standing beside them. Father cursed White Men as soon as he saw John. Aunt Florence justified that Roy was in the company of bad boys. Argument took place between mother and father. Father slapped mother. Then Roy threatened father for not beating mother. Father became angry and bet mercilessly Roy until Aunt Florence saved him.

First Chapter At six o’clock, John opened the church door, swept it. Brother Ellisha joined him. After one hour, others came. They started prayer.

Second Chapter During the prayer, Florence remembered her past life. ‘Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live’ –the message of her for brother. The incident of Deborah, sixteen years old, three years older than Florence, neighbour-raped by Whites After death of first husband, mother was given another by master. He went North. But they remained in south. Gabriel was a spoilt child. Mother pampered him.

Second Chapter Florence and Deborah became friend Mother ill treated Florence on account of being girl. Florence decided to run away from house when she was twenty six because mother did not care and master proposed her to be concubine. Gabriel prayed not to leave when mother was bedridden. She came in New York, met Frank, married him. Ten years marriage-full of quarrels- one day he left and went to another woman- later died in France in the war.

Second Chapter Gabriel came to New York- changed person- proposed for marriage with Deborah. After many years a letter from Deborah about affair of Gabriel with another woman. Her death upset Florence- prayed god to settle the life of Gabriel.

Second Chapter Prayer of Gabriel: During prayer, Gabriel remembered his past life

Third chapter The Threshing Floor: This chapter is about journey of John towards spirituality. Sat near Brother Ellisha, praying Suddenly many thought came in his mind, he started muttering. Lord, Jesus Christ calling him, shaking his head. This transformation of John in becoming preacher was a hard task.

Third chapter He remembered the behaviour of father, mother, aunt Florence and surrounding people. Felt, heard many voices. This went full night. Mother was very happy as her dream fulfilled. She saw Richard in John. Father was less happy as his son Roy was not preacher. Brother Ellisha encouraged him. Next morning he walked triumphantly.