Part I

Summary (continued.)

Walking down, he passes through Broadway and observes the advertisements put up. He decides to watch a movie. With this intention, he walks down the lane of Cinema halls. A poster depicting a fallen woman catches his attention and he buys a ticket for that movie. He feels conscious entering the Cinema hall and taking his seat. After glancing around at the audience, he casts his eyes on the big screen. Soon, the story of the fallen woman grips his attention. The heroine is a beautiful but arrogant woman given to all vices. A cripple student falls for her charms and professes love to her. The woman thwarts his love and flirts with other men. John sympathizes with the woman and places himself in her position. However, when the woman dies a miserable death, he is reminded of punishment for committing sins. With thoughts of the movie and a sense of guilt, he returns home.

As he walks towards his house, he notices Sarah running towards the medical stores. He is afraid something is amiss at home. Before he steps into his house, his neighbours inform about the accident of Roy and Sarah confirms the news that bullet had hit Roy. As he passes through the kitchen to enter the drawing room, he becomes aware of the presence of Aunt Clarence in the house. Inside, his aunt and his parents are gathered around Roy. Even as he gives first aid to his son, Gabriel informs John that Roy had been hit by a White youth in an encounter. He blames his wife for allowing Roy to get into trouble. Aunt Clarence comes to the rescue Elizabeth and the latter complains that her heavy housework does not allow her to keep a watch on all her children. Gabriel gets infuriated with his wife and slaps her. In turn, Roy curses Gabriel for hurting his mother. Gabriel gets provoked once again and whips Roy, in spite of his injury.

John feels revolted watching the tense scene at home. His anger towards his father increases and he wishes his parent dead. In this state of mind, he reaches the church to clean its premises for the evening service. As he dusts and swabs the floor, Elisha enters. He observes John and remarks about his sloppy work. John gets provoked and beats up Elisha. Elisha controls the situation by conceding defeat and seeking pardon. He asks John to turn to god and purge himself of his sins. He relates his worldly experiences and the joy of establishing communion with god.

The two Sisters of the church enter and commend the work of the boys. They bless John to carry on the work of god. John feels embarrassed in their presence. Shortly afterwards, Elisha and the sisters start singing and John is made to repeat their words. As he sings, JohnÂ’s thoughts stray. The arrival of his parents and aunt bring him back to the present. He is surprised to find his aunt in the church. JohnÂ’s anger towards his father turns to god for forcing his aunt to come to the church.

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