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Notes on Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Introduction to August Wilson and the Play

  • August Wilson: A prominent playwright known for his contributions to American theater, particularly the exploration of African American experiences.
  • Three C's: Comprehension, Creativity, and Connection in literature studies.

Historical Context

  • Joe Turner's Come and Gone: A social document reflecting the unique cultural context of African Americans, particularly regarding the Great Migration.
  • Great Migration: 1890-1930, when hundreds of thousands of African Americans moved from the South to Northern cities (e.g., New York, Chicago) seeking jobs and better living conditions due to economic needs post-World War I.
  • Themes of Freedom and Struggle: Although migration symbolized opportunity, it led to ongoing struggles against discrimination and economic hardship.

Metaphors in the Play

  • Metaphor of the Road:
    • The road symbolizes the journey of life, choices, and direction. Characters like Jeremy represent the ongoing struggle and journey of African Americans through labor and discrimination.
    • Discussions about crossroads illustrating life's choices and paths.

Oral Tradition

  • Importance of Oral Tradition: Reflects adaptation of African work songs and collective expressions of sorrow and oppression, emphasizing storytelling as a significant cultural element.

Influence of Blues and Music

  • The Blues: Serves as a musical and oral representation of African American history. Influenced by artists like Bessie Smith and W.C. Handy.
  • Joe Turner: The title refers to a real person involved in the kidnapping of black men for forced labor; pivotal to understanding the cultural implications of the play.

Visual and Theatrical Influences

  • Romare Bearden's Art: Represents the African American experience and aesthetics in the play's visual presentation, showcasing the setting, costumes, and character elements.
  • Setting and Period: 1911, post-slavery era, focused on life within a boarding house in the Hill District.

Central Characters

  • Key Characters: Seth Holly, Bertha Holly, Bynum Walker (a root worker), Harold Loomis, and others, each contributing to the narrative exploring identity and culture.

Major Themes

  1. Self-Identity: Characters finding themselves in new environments during the Great Migration.
  2. Dreams and Visions: Reflected notably through Bynum and Loomis as they navigate their aspirations.
  3. Freedom: Explored as both a physical state post-slavery and an internal journey.
  4. Racism and Discrimination: As issues pervasive in the play’s setting, emphasizing ongoing struggles faced by African Americans.
  5. Spirituality: The intersection of Christianity and African ancestral practices illustrated through characters like Bynum.
  6. Cultural Differences: Examines the disparities between Northern and Southern black experiences illustrated through character interactions.

Critical Questions and Discussion Points

  • The Importance of History: Understanding how history shapes identity, particularly through August Wilson’s lens of African American experience.
  • Character Analysis: Recognizing the depth of characters, such as Bynum’s spiritual connection and Harold’s struggles with freedom and identity.
  • Significance of Names: Characters' names often reflect deeper qualities or themes, enriching Wilson's exploration of identity.
  • The Symbolism of "Song": Represents purpose and identity in an individual's life, with Loomis’s journey reflecting a quest for personal significance.