Summary

In Chapter 1, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison writes in his journal. He identifies himself as a writer, “a son, a brother, a fisherman, an art lover, [and] a woodworker” (1). Because he knows he will someday die and does not intend to kill himself, he is afraid that someone will eventually see his private writings.

Monk describes his physical appearance and family history. Although his society tells him he is Black, Monk does not believe in or race. He is particularly bothered when publishers dismiss his work because it does not relate to “the African American experience” (2, Everett’s italics).

Monk describes how a saw cuts wood.

Monk travels from his home in Los Angeles, California to Washington D.C. to give a paper at “a meeting of the Nouveau Roman Society” (3). He dislikes the organization, but will visit his mother and sister while in town...