Finding Langston

Langston’s father wakes him early the next morning to set out on their regular Saturday errands, starting with a trip to the bank, then going to pay the rent, and finally stopping at the fish market. As he watches his father put aside money at the bank to send to his sister in Alabama, Langston feels resentment because it means he and his father often “gotta go without” (35). At the fish market, someone snickers “country” when Henry requests a “[p]ound of porgies, […] head and tails on” (37). Langston refrains from telling Henry he’s called “country boy” at school but asks if this label offends him. Henry responds by saying he’s not ashamed of his roots. The morning’s errands kindle Langston’s wistful memories of his mother’s cooking and attentive housekeeping.

They return to their apartment just as Miss Fulton is leaving to do her shopping. Exhausted after his late night of reading, Langston is chagrined when his father suggests he help Miss Fulton, but he sets off to the store with her nevertheless.