Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

Portia, her husband Highboy and her brother William take their Sunday walk to visit their father, Dr. Benedict Mady Copeland. The two men leave her at the house, and Portia enters, greets her father and begins to fix dinner for them. The doctor is reminded of his sweet wife as Portia works in the kitchen. However, rather than settle for a peaceful evening, he tries as always to instill a sense of ambition in Portia. She is weary of having the topic thrust on her again and asks that they don't quarrel.

The doctor agrees, and only a few words pass between them. Portia feels the same old arguments pass between them in silence. The doctor feels obligated to improve the station of his family, and Negro people in general, and he regrets that his daughter has resigned herself to her...