Cane (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Jean Toomer
- First Published: 1923
- Type of Work: Poetry and short fiction
- Type of Plot: Experimental
- Time of Work: Early twentieth century
- Setting: Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago
- Principal Characters: Karintha, Becky, Esther, King Barlo, Louisa, Tom Burwell, Bob Stone, Rhobert, Paul Johnson, Bona Hale, Ralph Kabnis, Father John
- Genres: Social realism, Short fiction
- Subjects: African Americans, Love or romance, Race, Sex or sexuality, Biracial people, Murder or homicide, Gender roles, Interracial relationships, Prostitution or prostitutes, 1920’s, Chicago, Georgia, Jews or Jewish life, Oppression, Washington, D.C.
- Locales: South (U.S.), Chicago, IL, Georgia, Washington, D.C.
The Story:
The title character of “Karintha” was a woman whose beauty captivated men, making her like “a growing thing ripened too soon.” She had a child, whom she apparently killed, and became a prostitute. Becky was a white woman cast out by the community because she had two black sons. Townspeople built her a cabin and took food to her, but never saw her. The boys grew up, caused trouble, and left, cursing people of both races. When Becky’s chimney collapsed, burying her, someone threw a Bible onto the rubble.
The title character of “Carma” had affairs...
[The entire page is 2284 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
