“The Wife of His Youth,” written by Charles Chesnutt, tells the story of an African American man who is making his way up in society when he encounters a past action that could change his life. Mr. Ryder welcomes in a guest who turns out to be his wife from twenty-five years ago. Eliza Jane, his wife, does not recognize him and Mr. Ryder decides to ask the Blue Vein Society whether or not he should tell her that he is her husband. Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Ryder’s presumed future wife, says that he should acknowledge her. The author reveals that honesty is more valuable than societal status. Mr. Ryder’s societal status is at its highest when the wife of his youth finds him and, according to him, acknowledging her is a step backward in society.
