“Through Thick and Thin” - (“The Hamiltons”)
Paul Laurence Dunbar explicates, “The first faint signs of recovery were being seen when he (Berry Hamilton) came to Maurice Oakley as a servant. Through thick and thin he remained with him, and when the final upward tendency of his employer began his fortunes had increased in like manner. When, having married, Oakley bought the great house in which he now lived, he left the little servant's cottage in the yard, for, as he said laughingly, "There is no telling when Berry will be following my example and be taking a wife unto himself." The metaphorical ‘ thick and thin’ implies that Hamilton has served Oakley during the favorable and hostile times; hence, their employer-employee link has been time-honored.
“Joking Prophecy” - (“The Hamiltons”)
Paul Laurence Dunbar observes, “His (Maurice Oakley's) joking prophecy came true very soon. Berry had long had a tenderness for Fannie, the housekeeper. As she retained her post under the new Mrs. Oakley, and as there was a cottage ready to his hand, it promised to be cheaper and more convenient all around to get married. Fannie was willing, and so the matter was settled.” The ‘joking prophecy’ relates to the teasing remarks which Oakley had made earlier on regarding Hamilton’s probability of marrying soon. Eventually, the prophecy objectifies when Hamilton weds Fannie.
Aristocrat - (“The Hamiltons”)
Paul Laurence Dunbar elucidates, “What the less fortunate negroes of the community said of them (the Hamiltons)and their offspring is really not worthwhile. Envy has a sharp tongue, and when has not the aristocrat been the target for the plebeian's sneers?” The Hamiltons lead an aristocratic life based on their luxuries and comforts. Their privileged position would elicit envy among the less privileged blacks who dwell in lowly circumstances.
“Life of the Assembly” - “A Farewell Dinner”
Paul Laurence Dunbar expounds, “It was generally conceded that Mrs. Oakley was a hostess whose guests had no awkward half-hour before dinner. No praise could be higher than this, and to-night she had no need to exert herself to maintain this reputation. Her brother-in-law was the life of the assembly; he had wit and daring, and about him there was just that hint of charming danger that made him irresistible to women.” The metaphor of ‘the life of the assembly” depicts the brother-in-law’s awkward mannerisms that could result in disgraces particularly with women. His awkwardness would have been a menace to Mrs. Oakley’s repute of being an immaculate host.
Animatedly - “A Farewell Dinner”
Paul Laurence Dunbar explains, “Both Maurice Oakley and his wife looked fondly at the artist as he went in with Claire Lessing. He was talking animatedly to the girl, having changed the general trend of the conversation to a manner and tone directed more particularly to her. While she listened to him, her face glowed and her eyes shone with a light that every man could not bring into them.” The allegorical animation highlights the artist’s extraordinary exhilaration which is patent in his speaking. Through the animation, the observers can deduce that the artist is determined to astound and enthuse Claire Lessing.
