The chapter opens with the odor of Mary’s cabbage. The cabbage reminds IMAN of the "leaner years" of his childhood, "I suffered silently whenever she served it...," (296) IMAN states as he reflects upon his past. It is because of this epiphany of Mary’s poverity and his debt that he realizes how he should find a job as soon as he possibly can. With this in mind, he calls Brother Jack.

Brother Jack meets IMAN almost immediately; they go to a party together. On the way they pass a zoo with caged bears and snakes. As he gets out of the car with the others, IMAN sees the word Chthonian on a storm above the walk. This represents Hell and foreshadows its similarities with the relationship between IMAN and the Brotherhood. Upon leaving the gathering, IMAN notes, "One thing about the people of the Chthonian, they all seemed able to say just what they felt and meant in hard, clear terms. That too, I’d have to learn..." (317) representing how he is expected to learn this new, devilish atmosphere.

The party is a gathering of the brothers in the Brotherhood; however, Brother Jack uses this opportunity to recruit IMAN and convince him to join. When questioning what he is supposed to be doing, IMAN is asked how he would like "to be the next Booker T. Washington?" (305) by Brother Jack. This is all as a result of one of IMAN’s previous speeches. Later in the conversation, Brother Jack tells IMAN that he "shall be the new Booker T. Washington, but even greater than he" (307). IMAN does not know how to respond to this, yet his silence is taken as an acceptance.

Several prejudices and assumptions are also re-introduced in this chapter, including the episode discussing that all black men can sing. Although Brother Jack is infuriated with this act of assumption, IMAN laughs at the situation believing that it all occurs simply because of the alcoholic beverages that have been consumed. After he finishes stating his thoughts, everyone returns to his or her talking and drinking. IMAN also is questioned about this blackness and whether he is black enough for the Brotherhood

Rebirth occurs when IMAN receives his new identity, money, and hope for a new place to live and a prosperous job. However, this rebirth soon leads to blindness, humility, hopelessness, betrayal, and disappointment.

Brother Jack is introduced in this chapter as a leader. He not only recruits IMAN into the Brotherhood but also persuades him to join. His temper at the end, however, proves that everything that appears good contains some evil.

IMAN puts on another blindfold when he enters the Brotherhood. Through Brother Jack’s words, IMAN is led into a new operation and organization he knows nothing about.

by Jessica Bicks