Chapter 17 Summary

Four months have passed when Brother Jack calls the narrator at midnight to meet with him. The narrator stops for a drink with Brother Jack, and we learn that the narrator has been studying with brother Hambro who is described as a fanatic teacher and a spokesman for the Brotherhood. The narrator has daily discussions with Hambro, scheduled readings, and attends functions with him that act as lessons. The narrator learns different aspects of the Brotherhood and other members became familiar him. At the bar, Brother Jack finally begins speaking and the narrator learns that Hambro has told the organization that he is learning well. The narrator learns that he is to become the chief spokesman of the Harlem district. Brother Jack warns the narrator to be cautious not to underestimate the discipline of the organization.

Brother Jack escorts the narrator to show...