Summary

In Chapter 5 of The Negress, Dessa is enraged about Nathan and Rufel's relationship. She feels angry at Nathan for betraying their friendship and at Rufel for taking advantage of Nathan. Because her closeness with Nathan, Cully, and Hacker is based on mutual suffering and escape, she feels Rufel's intimacy with Nathan is a threat to their freedom and closeness. So upset, she moves into the diminutive Quarters with the others. She and the other men and women discuss what happened. The men do not think their relationship is a problem because they are both consenting. The women, however, feel similarly angry that Nathan and Rufel are acting outside their roles. She thinks about all of the days she spent talking to Nathan, Cully, and Hacker while resting in the house after giving birth. What they shared is important to Dessa, especially their plans to...