46 pages • 1 hour read
Charles W. ChesnuttThe Marrow of Tradition
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1901A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Mammy Jane interprets little Dodie’s birthmark to indicate he will die by hanging—although she doubts herself given the infant’s race and class. Based on the events of the novel, is her prediction merely superstitious, or does it mean something more? Discuss her concern and her conjure charms in light of Dodie’s ailments.
At various points in the text, Major Carteret and McBane imply that Black people are less than human. Conversely, Josh states that he would rather die as a Black man than live as a dog. What role does animal imagery—especially canine imagery—play in the novel? What does it imply about white people’s views of their Black servants and neighbors?
At the outset of the novel, Carteret has lost his familial home to the Millers. What role do changing class dynamics play in his racism? How does he feel about his partnership with McBane? What does this say more generally about the relationship between class and race in the novel?
Provide a character analysis of Tom Delamere. What motivates him to cheat and perform in blackface? To kill Mrs. Ochiltree? Why does he resort to murder rather than asking his grandfather for money? What does this say about “good breeding”?
Both old Mr. Delamere and Olivia think of slavery as a “curse.” In their accounts, who is cursed? Why are they cursed? What does the end of slavery mean for the cursed?
Major Carteret chafes at the suggestion that he is a hypocrite. How does he justify his continuing view that his racism is different from McBane’s? Does his perspective change at the end of the novel?
Both Mammy Jane and Jerry die at the hands of their white neighbors. Discuss the circumstances of their deaths. Why it is significant that these particular characters die? How does their loyalty to their white employers play a role in their death?
Several of the white characters in this novel believe that their neighbors have gone too far in their exclusion of and violence toward Black Americans. Consider Dr. Price and Ellis: Why can’t they state their opinions openly? What actions do they take—or refuse to take—when they see racism in action? How does this novel judge their characters?
Olivia believes herself to be a good woman. Does the novel suggest that her judgment is correct? Why is she so disturbed by her half sister Janet? How does this shape her treatment of her father’s will?
Although women are largely peripheral in this novel, two women—Olivia and Janet—decide little Dodie’s fate. Why does the novel end with their confrontation? How does their relationship change in the final pages of the novel? Interpret Janet’s rejection of Olivia’s name and money.
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By Charles W. Chesnutt
