Characters
Little Boy
Little Boy serves as both the narrator and the apparent author of this tale. His age is never disclosed, creating a mysterious backdrop until the story's conclusion reveals the reasons behind his narration. As a character, he often remains at the margins of the unfolding events, yet what he decides to recount showcases his evolving perceptions and personal growth. The narrative begins with a look back at his childhood in New York, characterized by early memories of an America that seemed simple, clean, and predominantly white. Little Boy belongs to a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant (WASP) family with his Mother, Father, Mother’s Younger Brother, and Grandfather. Alongside his family, he chronicles the lives of a black family (Sarah, Coalhouse Walker, Jr., and their illegitimate child) and an immigrant family (Tateh, Mameh, and The Little Girl). Initially strangers, these families' fates intertwine, forming a uniquely American family by the narrative's end. The experiences of these families significantly shape Little Boy's life, his character, and his perception of himself and America.
Coalhouse Walker, Jr.
Coalhouse Walker, Jr., a distinguished ragtime pianist, challenges societal expectations with his dignified demeanor. Despite racial prejudices and the disdain of Father, Walker remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice and respect. His meticulous appearance and confidence perplex those accustomed to rigid racial hierarchies. His story turns tragic following the vandalization of his car by Willie Conklin's men, a symbol of his struggle for dignity. Walker's quest for justice morphs into vengeance, culminating in his dramatic standoff at the Morgan Library. Despite his tragic end, Walker’s actions highlight the racial tensions and injustices of his time.
Coalhouse's story begins when he arrives at the home where Sarah and their child have taken refuge. His presence, demeanor, and refusal to act subserviently annoy Father, who is not accustomed to seeing a black man behave with such self-respect and assurance. When his car is defaced by white volunteer firemen, led by Willie Conklin, and the legal system offers no restitution, his quest for justice becomes a consuming desire for vengeance. Sarah's tragic death, a result of her attempt to seek aid from the authorities, intensifies Walker's resolve, although it is the restoration of his car that becomes his primary demand. His story concludes with a negotiation that allows his followers to escape in his restored vehicle, only for Walker to be gunned down after surrendering to the authorities.
Mother
Mother initially appears as a prudish character, engaging in only formal sexual relations with Father. Her life takes a transformative turn when she discovers a black infant in her garden. This act of compassion leads her to care for both the child and its mother, Sarah, upon discovering her. She assumes control of Father’s business in his absence, enhancing its profitability. This independence leads her to explore feminist and socialist literature, reshaping her worldview. By the time Father returns, Mother has evolved into a more liberated and intellectual figure, comfortable with her newfound identity. Her transformation is further solidified as she sympathizes with Coalhouse Walker’s plight, eventually leading her to marry Baron Ashkenazy after Father’s death.
As Mother's sensibilities mature, she becomes more attuned to the world's complexities, especially concerning issues of race and gender. Her initial discovery of the baby and subsequent integration of Sarah into their household marks the beginning of her change. This pivotal moment allows her to question and eventually reject the rigid societal norms she had once accepted without question. Her burgeoning relationship with Tateh, culminating in marriage, highlights her journey towards a more inclusive and empathetic worldview.
Tateh
Tateh, whose name signifies "father" in...
(This entire section contains 1710 words.)
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Yiddish, is introduced as a struggling immigrant artist. Initially, he sells paper silhouettes on New York streets, striving to escape poverty. After separating from Mameh, he transitions from socialism to capitalism, becoming a successful filmmaker under the title Baron Ashkenazy. His journey towards prosperity mirrors his desire to protect his daughter from societal corruption. Ultimately, he marries Mother after Father's demise, showcasing his complex evolution from a struggling artist to a prosperous entrepreneur.
Tateh's transformation is marked by significant hardships, including the betrayal of his wife, Mameh, who resorts to selling her body to make ends meet. This personal turmoil, combined with societal challenges, fuels Tateh's determination to create a better life for his daughter. His move from socialist ideals to capitalist success underscores his flexibility and resilience in the face of adversity. The eventual union with Mother signifies a merging of diverse backgrounds and experiences, forming a new family paradigm.
Father
Father, a manufacturer of fireworks and flags, epitomizes the model American patriot with his sentiment, attitude, and occupation. An amateur explorer, he partakes in Robert Peary's third expedition, aiming for the North Pole in 1906. During his absence, his family undergoes notable changes enabled by his distance. Father perceives his family through an ethnocentric and theocentric lens, expecting them to embody the ideal American family of the time. However, his views are challenged and ultimately transformed by the merging of diverse families, representing the synthesis of different American experiences.
Father's rigid worldview and expectations are tested upon his return, as he encounters a family environment that has shifted while he was away. The introduction of members from different racial and cultural backgrounds into his household challenges his preconceived notions. Father's journey highlights the tension between maintaining traditional values and adapting to a changing societal landscape.
Mother’s Younger Brother
Mother’s Younger Brother, an employee in Father’s business, initially obsesses over Evelyn Nesbit, ultimately becoming a political radical and revolutionary unionizer under Emma Goldman's influence. His infatuation with Nesbit introduces him to the immigrant family of Tateh, Mameh, and The Little Girl. His radical thoughts permeate Father’s family, leading his coworkers to unionize by the time Father returns. His passion for social change propels him into Coalhouse Walker’s struggle, where he contributes his munitions expertise and later joins Emiliano Zapata in the Mexican Revolution. His actions and insights are chronicled in his diary, providing a personal account of the era’s social upheaval.
Mother's Younger Brother's journey from infatuation with Nesbit to his involvement in broader political movements reflects his quest for identity and purpose. His contributions to Coalhouse Walker's cause demonstrate his commitment to justice, while his eventual participation in the Mexican Revolution signifies his deepening engagement with global struggles for equality and reform.
Sarah
Sarah, a young black woman, becomes a poignant figure through her silent endurance and tragic fate. Initially living in seclusion within the family's attic, her tentative relationship with Coalhouse Walker unfolds amidst societal pressures and personal traumas. Her tragic attempt to advocate for justice leads to her demise, emphasizing themes of racial injustice and the human cost of prejudice.
Her story is marked by resilience and a quiet strength, despite the many hardships she faces. Her decision to bury her baby in the garden, a desperate act of concealment, highlights her vulnerability. Sarah's eventual acceptance of Coalhouse's marriage proposal signifies a tentative hope for the future, which is cruelly dashed by her untimely death.
Willie Conklin
Willie Conklin, the fire chief of the Emerald Isle Company, instigates the racist actions against Coalhouse Walker. When threatened by Walker, Conklin hides in the Irish slums until political leaders coax him out to confront his actions by restoring Walker's car as demanded.
Conklin's actions exemplify the systemic racism of the time, and his eventual forced confrontation with his misdeeds highlights the societal pressures and changing expectations in the face of growing demands for justice and equality.
Evelyn Nesbit
Evelyn Nesbit, inspired by a real person involved in a notorious murder case, captivates those around her, including Mother’s Younger Brother. Her involvement with various characters, including Emma Goldman, highlights her complex role in navigating personal and societal expectations during a turbulent era. Her romantic entanglements and public exposure reflect the shifting social landscape depicted in the novel.
In the book, Nesbit's allure and relationships with prominent figures serve as a focal point for exploring themes of celebrity and scandal. Her brief affair with Mother's Younger Brother and subsequent interactions with the revolutionary Emma Goldman underscore her influence and the public's fascination with her.
J. Pierpont Morgan
J. Pierpont Morgan, a historical figure, is depicted as a mystic intrigued by Egyptology. His interactions with Henry Ford and involvement in Walker's story illustrate the intersection of wealth, power, and mysticism, emphasizing Morgan's eccentricities and ultimate demise.
His fascination with the mystical and his belief in the occult are woven into the narrative, contrasting his public persona as a pragmatic businessman. Morgan's attempts to negotiate with Coalhouse Walker highlight the intersections of wealth and race, power and justice.
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini, the famed escape artist, plays a pivotal role in the story. Known for his daring feats and skepticism of fraudulent psychics, Houdini's interactions with the novel's characters, including Little Boy's prophetic warning, weave through the narrative, connecting historical events with the fictional storyline. His reflections on these encounters highlight the novel's themes of magic, illusion, and the search for meaning.
Houdini's presence in the story serves as a bridge between the real and the mystical, with his escapades symbolizing broader themes of freedom and constraint. His interactions with historical figures and fictional characters alike emphasize the interconnectedness of past and present, reality and illusion.
Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington, a historical advocate for black education and cooperation between races, confronts Coalhouse Walker, urging him to end his rebellion for the sake of progress and stability. Washington's appeal underscores the tension between radical actions and gradual change within the African American community.
His presence in the narrative represents a voice of moderation and pragmatism in the face of rising tensions. While his plea to Coalhouse Walker reflects a desire for peaceful progress, it also highlights the broader societal debates about the best path forward for racial equality.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud, portrayed as a real-life figure, visits America in the book and concludes, "America is a mistake, a gigantic mistake." His presence highlights cultural critiques within the narrative.
Freud's brief appearance serves as a commentary on the cultural tensions and contradictions inherent in the American experience, offering a European perspective on the burgeoning drama of the early 20th century.
