Zora and Me

After Teddy leaves, Zora arrives at Carrie’s house and tells her that she overheard a conversation between Joe Clarke and Gold at the Loving Pine. She learned that Gold is actually Ivory’s sister. Carrie is shocked to hear this; she and Zora both thought that Gold was white. It is obvious that other white people also assume Gold is one of them. Zora recounts the rest of the conversation. 

Joe Clarke told Gold that Ivory is dead. Gold was devastated and said that she had to take Ivory home. Mr. Clarke told her that she could not take Ivory anywhere because everyone thinks she is white. Gold begged to stay in Eatonville, but Mr. Clarke refused. He thought her presence would upset the peace. Gold tried to believe that Ivory might not be dead. She wanted to stay in Eatonville so that he could find her. Mr. Clarke left, and Gold stayed at the Loving Pine, crying. 

Carrie feels unsettled now that all of Zora’s theories and stories are falling apart. She knows that Zora told the stories to make sense of frightening events, but now she is angry with Zora for making them up. In hindsight, Carrie realizes that she was so upset by Ivory’s death because it made her realize that her father was gone for good.