- What are the characteristics of Mr. Ryder that make him eligible for membership in the Blue Vein society?
He had not been a founder of the society, but his “genius for social leadership” was such that he had speedily become its recognized advisor and head, the custodian of it standards, and the preserver of its traditions” (Chesnutt 1). He was not as white as some of the Blue Veins, however, “his features were of a refined type, his hair was almost straight; he was always neatly dressed; his manners were irreproachable, and his morals above suspicion” (Chesnutt 1-2). He was well educated in literature, especially poetry, and had a well-furnished home. In other words, Mr. Ryder was seen as distinguished and therefore a welcomed member in the Blue Vein Society.
- What is the intended purpose of the ball Mr. Ryder plans to hold?
Mr. Ryder has taken an interest Mrs. Molly Dixon. She was whiter than he, and he wanted this ball to be of a quality that matches her own. He wishes to propose to Mrs. Dixon at this ball. He also hopes to up the rank of his social standings by inviting quality guests. He thought it to “mark an epoch in the social history of Groveland” (Chesnutt 2). To sum it up, “His ball would serve by its exclusiveness to counteract leveling tendencies, and his marriage with Mrs. Dixon would help to further the upward process of absorption he had been wishing and waiting for” (Chesnutt 3).
- What does Mrs. Dixon symbolize in the story? What does Jane symbolize?
I have a feeling that Mr. Ryder is a mild version of what used to be called a “tragic mulatto.” It is likely that one of Mr. Ryders parents was white, and one black. He sees the black side of his heritage as being of lower social rankings and therefore, he wants to work his way up the social ranks by marrying Mrs. Dixon. This leads me to believe that Mrs. Dixon is a symbol of this idea of climbing the social ranks by socializing with whites and taking upon that identity, avoiding Jane. Jane symbolizes his black heritage, what he so urgently avoids, and who he ends up recognizing and acknowledging Jane as “the wife of [his] youth” (Chesnutt 8).
- What is the complex ethical choice at the center of this story?
The complex ethical choice at the center of this story is whether or not Mr. Ryder, (a “mulatto”), will choose to ignore his heritage and try to climb up the ranks of society through means of adapting a more “white” appearance. This can be seen clearly in Mr. Ryders concerns for his recent social interactions:
“He had observed of late a growing liberality, almost a laxity, in social matters, even among members of his own set, and had several times been forced to meet in a social way persons whose complexions and callings in life were hardly up to the standard which he considered proper for the society to maintain”
Chesnutt 2
It is clear that he believes he working down the ranks by talking to people of color, and that he has been taught to believe that they are not up to the standard of the society. However, instead of deciding to accept and subdue by falling for Mrs. Dixon, he does have the option of acknowledging Jane. It is clear that Mr. Ryder has been in a 25 year long battle with his racial identity, and if he so chooses to accept Jane, then he is setting himself free from the mindset of having to meet the standards of a white society. He must face the fact that he has black heritage, and learn to accept this and take pride in it, for the color of skin does not define the quality of someones character no matter what a dominantly white society tries to push.
The fact is, all of our veins contain the same human blood, which allows us to live. Underneath our skin, all of our veins are blue. Thus, lighter skin does not deserve to reign power over darker skin. We are all human.
