The first section of the novel begins on the birthday of John Grimes, the protagonist. John begins his day by entering the kitchen where his mother, Elizabeth, and younger brother, Roy, are arguing about Gabriel, the boys' father. Roy is upset because he doesn't feel that he has the type of relationship with his father that he should. Gabriel is distant, and his children do not feel comfortable talking to him; he is also brutal, beating his children for their transgressions. After John finishes his breakfast and Elizabeth sends him to clean the front room of their home, John is understandably upset because no one has remembered his birthday.
As John finishes sweeping and dusting, Elizabeth gives him money so that he can buy himself something for his birthday. John sets out into the city. His first stop is Central Park and then Broadway, where he decides to see a movie, an activity forbidden by his strictly religious father.
Upon returning home, John learns that Roy has been stabbed. Gabriel, who is treating Roy's wound with uncharacteristic gentleness, turns his anger upon Elizabeth, blaming the boys' mother for Roy's wild ways. Despite the attempt of Gabriel's sister, Florence, to talk reasonably to Gabriel and to protect Elizabeth, Gabriel strikes his wife. The blow enrages Roy who, in trying to protect his mother, also receives a beating from Gabriel.
The next scene finds John and Elisha, John's friend and youth minister, cleaning the church that the family attends. They complete their work in time for Saturday evening Tarry Service. John is not surprised to see his mother and father enter the church, but he is surprised to see that his aunt has accompanied them.
