Dry September Summary

Rumors spread throughout the town of Jefferson that a white spinster, Miss Minne Cooper, has been raped by a black man named Will Mayes. A conversation among the all-white clients at the barbershop quickly results in an exchange of heated opinions. The majority of clients and barbers agrees that such an alleged crime should be avenged for the protection of their own wives and daughters. One of the barbers, who says he knows both alleged victim and alleged perpetrator, says he doesn't believe Will Mayes could have committed rape, and that the others should get the facts before they get carried away. The barber, who is called a "damn niggerlover" and told to go back North, reminds the good ole boys that he is from Jefferson and that he believes nothing has happened and that the story is pure fabrication. "Do...