Racial Tension
As was previously mentioned, Rufus continuously faced racial tension, which becomes more evident to him when he begins his relationship with a white girl, Leona. In fact, this factor seems to consume him. In his mind he is just a useless black man and cannot understand why Leona is still with him, though they both deeply love each other. He can no longer walk down the street with her without believing someone is judging them and begins to hate himself for not being white.His reaction to dealing to this hate, is to physically abuse her. The abuse escalates until Vivaldo decides to step in and forces Rufus to end his relationship with Leona. After this, Rufus disappears and Leona is committed to a mental institution.
Guilt
After months of living on the streets, Rufus returns to his friends. Vivaldo has now forgiven him for his past sins and only wants to now help him rise from the engrossing guilt he feels for his actions towards Leona. Yet this is a sin that Rufus cannot overcome and he tries to seek a sexual comfort from Vivaldo. Vivaldo pretends to be ignorant of the need Rufus implies and later feels guilty for not admitting to his mutual attraction. His guilt proceeds after Rufus commits suicide. Although Rufus allowed his friends to extend their hand of comfort and love to him once again, he could not forgive himself for his actions towards Leona. Before he jumps off the George Washington Bridge, he whispers, "I'm sorry, Leona," and as "the wind took him, he felt himself going over, head down, the wind, the stars, the lights, the water, all rolled together" (Baldwin 87-88). As he surrenders himself to God, he admits a simple, "all right" (Baldwin 88). Rufus is now free from guilt, consequently his actions, effect the lives of his friends and their behavior.