Berry by Langston Hughes

Summary

In Langston Hughes' short story, Milbury, a young black man, finds work at a summer home for crippled children run by Dr. Renfield. While working under difficult conditions, Milbury develops a close bond with the children, who adore him. However, his treatment by the white staff, particularly Mrs. Osband and the nurses, is exploitative and dismissive. After an accident involving a child, Milbury is blamed and dismissed without pay, highlighting the racial and social inequalities of the time. The story illustrates themes of exploitation, race relations, and the disparity between the innocence of children and the prejudice of adults.

Takeaways

• 😀 Milbury, a young Black boy from Georgia, is hired to work at a summer home for crippled children, despite not being educated.
• 😀 Mrs. Osband, the lady in charge of the home, reluctantly hires Milbury after the kitchen boy leaves, though she is unsure of how he will fit into the household.
• 😀 Milbury is given heavy responsibilities, including tasks not typically assigned to him, such as scrubbing floors and carrying wood, and is underpaid for his work.
• 😀 The summer home, while seemingly a place for charitable care, is actually run as a profit-driven institution, with the quality of food and care varying depending on visitors.
• 😀 Milbury forms a strong bond with the children, who adore him for his kindness, stories, and songs, calling him 'Barry' and showing him affection.
• 😀 Despite the respect and affection from the children, Milbury faces mistreatment and exploitation from the adult staff and is expected to perform exhausting labor for very little compensation.
• 😀 The adults at the home, particularly Mrs. Osband, Dr. Renfield, and the nurses, exhibit a sense of superiority and disregard for Milbury's feelings or well-being.
• 😀 Milbury's experience highlights the pervasive nature of racial discrimination, as his status as a Black worker in a predominantly white household leads to him being dehumanized and overworked.
• 😀 The story critiques the hypocrisy of the home, where the children are treated with affection but the staff, particularly Milbury, is exploited for their labor without proper care or consideration.
• 😀 The tragic turning point comes when Milbury, trying to help a child on the beach, is blamed for an accident, leading to his unjust dismissal and the withholding of his wages.
• 😀 In the end, Milbury leaves the home, not just without his wages but also with the realization that, despite his kindness, he will always be seen as inferior by those in power.

Q & A

Who is Milbury Jones and what role does he take on in the story?

Milbury Jones, later called Barry by the children, is a young Black man from Georgia who arrives to work as a kitchen helper at Dr. Renfield's summer home for crippled children.

Why was Mrs. Osborne initially concerned about Milbury's arrival?

Mrs. Osborne was concerned because Milbury was Black and she worried about how he would fit in with the other white staff and the household's social expectations.

How does Dr. Renfield respond to the situation with Milbury?

Dr. Renfield is practical and thoughtful. He suggests using the attic for Milbury to sleep and approves keeping him employed, indicating he values competence over social prejudice.

What kind of work does Milbury perform at the home?

Milbury performs extensive household chores including washing dishes, peeling vegetables, preparing coffee, scrubbing floors, carrying wood, polishing silver, and even assisting with the children.

How do the children at the summer home react to Milbury?

The children adore Milbury. They call him Barry, enjoy his songs and stories, and feel safe and happy with him, forming a strong emotional bond.

What observations does Milbury make about the adults at the home?

Milbury senses that many of the adults are phony, self-interested, and exploitative, in contrast to the children, who are genuine and affectionate.

What incident leads to Milbury losing his job?

During a trip to the beach with the children, a child falls from a wheelchair, breaking the chair. Although the child is not seriously hurt, Milbury is blamed for the accident and dismissed without his last week's wages.

What themes are prominent in this story?

Prominent themes include racial prejudice, exploitation of labor, innocence versus hypocrisy, compassion, and the disparity between children's and adults' moral responses.

How does the story portray the contrast between children and adults?

Children are shown as innocent, honest, and affectionate, responding to Barry with genuine care, while adults are often concerned with propriety, social standing, and profit rather than moral integrity.

Why does Milbury continue to work diligently despite being overworked and underpaid?

Milbury continues to work diligently because he needs the job and food, understands the scarcity of work, and cares deeply for the children at the summer home, finding purpose in helping them.

What does the story reveal about social and racial dynamics in the 1930s?

The story highlights systemic racism and social inequality, showing how Black workers were overworked, undervalued, and subject to discrimination, even when their contributions were essential and their character admirable.

How is Barry's character heroic in the context of the story?

Barry is heroic through his unwavering kindness, dedication, and empathy toward the children, showing moral integrity and courage in the face of unfair treatment and racial prejudice.