Chapter 7 "Carma" Summary

"Carma" begins with the verse of a short song. The lines tell of cane leaves shifting in the wind, which creates a rustling sound.

The character of Carma, like Becky and Karintha, is described from the narrator's perspective. He sees her driving her mule-drawn wagon home late in the day. A strong black woman, Carma whips her mule as she heads down the dirt road known as Dixie Pike. The narrator watches her as she goes. Carma, possibly feeling his stare, turns to look at him before disappearing down the road.

The next section of the chapter, presented in parentheses, is an insightful setting describing the day as it transitions into night. The sun is a brilliant gold, which makes the pine needles shine brightly; the dry sweet-gum leaves are rustling loudly, and smoke from the sawmill curls into...