The Marrow of Tradition

Tom is never charged for the crime, but he ceases to call on Clara. Major Carteret takes on Sandy as his butler as “a sort of vicarious atonement” (154). Although the lynching never occurs, the next election reveals the strong current of anti-Black sentiment that Major Carteret and his cronies sought to draw out. A new wave of laws—like the “grandfather clause”—finds ways to deny voting rights to Black men. However, the laws will not take effect in Virginia for two years, and Major Carteret and his friends find themselves frustrated. As they discuss a new strategy, Jerry enters the office, now with his face “splotched” and his hair oily. He has been buying products meant to change his appearance. In their next encounter, Major Carteret strongly suggests to Jerry that he not vote, and Jerry understands that his job is contingent upon his compliance.

Major Carteret finally republishes the article from the Afro-American Banner that decries lynching for interracial relationships. A sudden and quiet shift takes place between Black and white citizens of Wellington: The white people become noticeably less friendly. Belmont states that it’s time for the “final act of this drama” (162).