Essay Questions

Why does it take Miss Cynthie so long to realize her grandson is in theater?

Miss Cynthie, as a practicing Christian, automatically assumes that her grandson will have the same values that she does. It does not even come into her mind that Dave may want to pursue a career in theater, creating a tense situation for both of them. As she has a conversation with her escort in earlier parts of the story, the escort purposely does not tell her about Dave's true identity, as he sees that Miss Cynthie would likely be upset with the truth behind her son's fortune.

What is Miss Cynthie's reaction to her grandson's chosen profession?

Initially, Miss Cynthie assumes that Dave, her grandson, had chosen an honorable career, like being a doctor. However, she realizes that he is actually a performer in the theater, to which she is shocked and a bit outraged. In many ways, she feels like his choice is a personal attack on what she values as a Christian. However, she comes to realize that the idea behind Christianity is not necessarily all about actions; instead, it is about morals and love. She comes to accept her grandson for who he is and his desire to continue acting, as she can clearly see that this job does not make his a lesser being.

What is the significance of the Harlem Renaissance in the story?

The Harlem Renaissance plays a significant role in the the story, as it is practically what the story is based on. The Harlem Renaissance was a great period of emergence for African American culture in the early twentieth century, and it helped many that were previously in debt to rise to fame. One of those people is Dave, who Miss Cynthie wanted to be a doctor. However, he opts to join a theater club, which makes quite a bit of money - more than a doctor, in fact - doing something that Dave truly enjoys - making people smile.