Tar Baby: Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

On the Isle des Chevaliers, extravagant houses were built in what was once a dense rainforest. The construction caused the river to change its course and stop short of the ocean, creating a swamp. The most impressive house on the island is called L’Arbe de la Croix. It was designed by a renowned Mexican architect and built by laborers from Haiti. It’s a large, light-filled house. Valerian Street and his family have owned it for over 30 years, but he just moved into the house full-time when he retired four years ago. Before that, he lived and worked in Philadelphia. Now, he plays classical music in the greenhouse each morning to encourage the plants to grow and doesn’t ever want to leave the island.

Valerian’s wife, Margaret, only visits for a few months each year. She likes to think that they still live in Philadelphia and that Valerian is only spending some time away from the city. Margaret is Valerian’s second wife. He met her years after his first marriage ended when he was traveling for business in Maine. Sydney and Ondine used to work for the Streets in Philadelphia, and now they work for them on Isle des Chevaliers. Ondine loves living on the island and only worries that one day Valerian will decide to leave. In general, Valerian doesn’t get along with his neighbors. But one night, years ago, he had woken up with a horrible toothache. With Sydney’s help, he eventually made it to see the dentist, Dr. Robert Michelin, who gave him Novocain and brandy to help dull the pain. Valerian and Dr. Michelin then became friends.

In December, Valerian struggles with bunions, and Sydney encourages him to try different methods to ease the pain. Valerian doesn’t listen to any of Sydney’s suggestions. Margaret then talks with Valerian and complains about the food that Ondine prepares for them. Margaret is planning for a Christmas visit from their son, Michael. He is nearing 30 and recently, after trying a variety of other careers, has said he wants to be an environmental lawyer. Valerian tells Margaret that Michael, as usual, won’t actually visit. Margaret says she’s invited a friend of Michael’s, too, so Michael won’t get bored. Margaret is also planning to go and live near Michael, which Valerian thinks is a bad idea. He’s convinced that Michael isn’t very fond of either of them. Valerian makes Margaret promise that she won’t go to live near Michael unless Michael agrees to it.

Valerian tells Margaret that Jadine is planning to stay for the winter. Jadine is Sydney and Ondine’s niece who they adopted after her parents both died by the time she was 12. Valerian says that Sydney and Ondine like having Jadine around because she’s all the family they have left. Valerian says Jadine is trying to get over a love affair and that she recently signed on with a modeling agency in New York. Valerian asks Margaret why she now acts cruelly toward Ondine when they used to be friends and gossip together in the kitchen during parties. Margaret doesn’t answer directly, but she tells Valerian not to worry because Sydney and Ondine won’t quit and will always be around. In the kitchen, Sydney and Ondine discuss Valerian and Margaret, focusing on Margaret’s pickiness. Ondine says she wants a plane ticket just to get away from Margaret.

Sydney and Ondine then talk about whether Michael will actually visit this time. Ondine says that Michael doesn’t like being around Margaret and that he changed when he went to college. He used to be sweet, but now, whenever he sees Ondine, he tries to “liberate” her. Jadine comes into the kitchen. Jadine says she would like some chocolate, but when Ondine goes to look for it, most of the chocolate is gone. They think that someone must be stealing it. They wonder if Yardman, who does general maintenance work for the Streets, might have been stealing the chocolate, but they agree that he’s probably not the thief. Sydney and Ondine ask if Jadine will be modeling more, and Jadine says she wants to have her own business. Ondine and Sydney beam with happiness.