"Jubilee" by Margaret Walker stands as a cornerstone in women's literature, weaving a tapestry of folk traditions and realistic depictions of African American life in the 19th century. Rooted deeply in the rich soil of folk sayings, music, and beliefs, Walker's novel aims to be both humanistic and realistic, capturing the essence of a community under the shadow of slavery. Through the lens of Vyry, the protagonist nurtured by her cultural heritage, "Jubilee" explores the lives and struggles of African American women with authenticity and respect.

A Glimpse into Folk Life

Walker describes "Jubilee" as a "folk novel based on folk material," infusing the narrative with vibrant folk sayings and traditions. The book’s realism is evident in its portrayal of daily challenges and the resilience required to overcome them. Vyry, raised amidst the folklore of her community, embodies this humanistic approach to life. Her upbringing is steeped in the wisdom of black women who pass down knowledge through generations, teaching vital skills such as cooking, needlecraft, and the use of medicinal herbs and roots. Walker meticulously details the labor involved in food preparation, highlighting the dedication required to sustain both the "big house" and their own families, as demonstrated by Vyry’s dual responsibility of preparing ham for the owners and possum and collard greens for her own family's Christmas celebration.

A Realistic Counterpoint

Contrary to Margaret Mitchell’s romanticized portrayal of plantation life in "Gone with the Wind," Walker offers an unvarnished depiction from the perspective of the slaves. She delves into their speech, customs, and enduring adversity, shedding light on the haunting realities of slavery, the Civil War, and the ensuing challenges faced by freed slaves. Walker’s narrative is enriched by her exploration of African American oral traditions, corroborated by historical sources and newspapers, which provide context and credibility to the oral histories shared by her grandmother.

Music and Medicine in Tradition

Folk music and sayings play a pivotal role in "Jubilee," with chapter headings that feature excerpts from spirituals and folk songs, effectively weaving them into the storyline. The title "Jubilee" itself is drawn from a traditional Negro spiritual, symbolizing the celebration of freedom. Throughout the novel, Walker integrates verses from spirituals like “Steal Away,” “I Got Shoes,” and “I Am a Poor Way-faring Stranger,” enriching the narrative tapestry and deepening its cultural resonance. Moreover, the novel showcases folk medicine, highlighting women as custodians of herbal wisdom. Vyry, for example, concocts a salve from barefoot root to relieve rheumatism and prepares a mullein bath to soothe swollen feet.

Folklore in Dialogue

Dialogues in "Jubilee" are peppered with folk sayings reflecting the wisdom passed down through generations. Walker infuses the characters' speech with the colorful idioms she learned from her grandmother, adding authenticity and depth to the narrative. For instance, when Randall Ware proposes to Vyry, her retort is steeped in folklore: “When you buy my freedom, then I marriage with you, and not before! And I’ll tell you like the monkey say to the parrot when they was fighting over the brush-broom, them’s my final words of dust you eating, Mr. Coon.” Such expressions not only enrich the dialogue but also underscore the cultural fortitude and resilience of the characters.

Through "Jubilee," Walker has crafted a literary masterpiece that captures the spirit and struggles of African American women, ensuring their stories and wisdom endure. Her use of folk material, combined with realistic and humanistic portrayals, offers readers a profound insight into the lives shaped by both hardship and hope.