11.3 Jesmyn Ward and Sing, Unburied, Sing

Jesmyn Ward's "Sing, Unburied, Sing" tackles complex themes in contemporary African American life. The novel explores family dynamics, racial identity, and generational trauma through multiple narrators and supernatural elements.

Set in the rural South, the story delves into systemic racism and its lasting impact. Ward's use of magical realism and African American folklore adds depth to the characters' struggles, highlighting the power of ancestral knowledge and spirituality.

Multiple Narrators and Story Impact

Perspectives and Character Development

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  'Sing, Unburied, Sing' challenges us to face our ghosts - Mississippi Today View original

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  Mississippi author Jesmyn Ward receives MacArthur Foundation ‘genius grant’ | Mississippi Today View original

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  DeLisle: The bruised heart of Jesmyn Ward's literary world | Mississippi Today View original

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  'Sing, Unburied, Sing' challenges us to face our ghosts - Mississippi Today View original

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  DeLisle: The bruised heart of Jesmyn Ward's literary world | Mississippi Today View original

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  'Sing, Unburied, Sing' challenges us to face our ghosts - Mississippi Today View original

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  Mississippi author Jesmyn Ward receives MacArthur Foundation ‘genius grant’ | Mississippi Today View original

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  DeLisle: The bruised heart of Jesmyn Ward's literary world | Mississippi Today View original

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  'Sing, Unburied, Sing' challenges us to face our ghosts - Mississippi Today View original

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• Sing, Unburied, Sing employs three main narrators: Jojo, a 13-year-old boy; Leonie, Jojo's mother; and Richie, the ghost of a young boy who died in Parchman prison
• The alternating narrators provide different perspectives on the events of the novel, revealing the complexities of the characters' relationships and their individual struggles
• Jojo's narration offers an innocent, coming-of-age perspective, showcasing his growth and understanding of the world around him (his relationship with his grandparents, his role as a caretaker for his younger sister)
• Leonie's sections delve into her drug addiction, grief, and complicated relationship with her family, providing insight into her internal conflicts and the challenges she faces as a mother (her struggle to connect with her children, her coping mechanisms)

Narrative Structure and Generational Trauma

• Richie's ghostly narration adds a supernatural element and connects the present-day story to the historical injustices of the past, particularly the abuse and exploitation of African Americans in the prison system
• The use of multiple narrators creates a fragmented, non-linear narrative structure that mirrors the characters' fractured lives and the lingering effects of generational trauma
• The alternating perspectives and shifts in time emphasize the interconnectedness of the characters' experiences and the cyclical nature of trauma (the impact of Pop's time in Parchman on the family, the parallels between Richie and Jojo's stories)
• The narrative structure underscores the importance of storytelling and memory in processing and healing from historical injustices and personal traumas (Mam's role as a storyteller, the gradual revelation of family secrets)

Themes of Family, Identity, and Injustice

Family Dynamics and Relationships

• The novel explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly between mothers and children, as seen through Leonie's strained bond with Jojo and her daughter, Kayla
• Jojo's strong connection to his grandparents, Pop and Mam, highlights the importance of extended family and the role they play in shaping identity and providing stability (Pop's guidance and wisdom, Mam's spiritual influence)
• The novel portrays the challenges and tensions within family units, such as the conflict between Leonie and her parents, and the impact of addiction and grief on familial bonds (Leonie's drug use, the absence of Jojo and Kayla's fathers)
• The characters' journeys and interactions emphasize the significance of forgiveness, understanding, and communication in healing family wounds and building stronger relationships (Jojo's growing empathy for Leonie, Pop's reconciliation with his past)

Identity and Heritage

• The characters grapple with their sense of identity, particularly in relation to their racial and cultural heritage, as they navigate the challenges of being biracial in the American South
• Jojo's coming-of-age story involves his exploration of his identity as a young Black man and his connection to his family's history and traditions (his relationship with Pop, his understanding of Mam's spiritual practices)
• Leonie's struggle with her identity is influenced by her biracial background, her role as a mother, and her grief over the loss of her brother, Given (her conflicted feelings about her whiteness, her difficulty in meeting her children's needs)
• The novel highlights the importance of embracing and celebrating one's cultural heritage and the strength that comes from understanding one's roots (Pop's stories of his ancestors, Mam's passing down of spiritual knowledge)

Historical Injustice and Intergenerational Trauma

• The legacy of slavery and Jim Crow-era racism continues to impact the characters' lives, as seen through the stories of Pop's time in Parchman prison and the ghosts that haunt the family
• The novel illustrates how historical injustices, such as the abuse and exploitation of African Americans in the prison system, have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities (the impact of Pop's trauma on his family, the cyclical nature of poverty and incarceration)
• The presence of ghosts and spiritual elements in the narrative underscores the lingering impact of historical traumas and the need for acknowledgment, healing, and justice (Richie's ghost seeking closure, the haunting presence of Given)
• The characters' experiences and interactions highlight the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the importance of confronting and addressing the painful legacies of the past (the police officer's prejudice, the disparities in the criminal justice system)

American South and Racial Dynamics

Setting and Regional Context

• Sing, Unburied, Sing is set in the rural Mississippi Gulf Coast, a region with a deep history of racial segregation, poverty, and inequality
• The novel's setting serves as a microcosm for the broader racial and socioeconomic issues faced by African Americans in the American South (limited economic opportunities, systemic racism)
• The characters' experiences and interactions are shaped by the region's complex history and the ongoing impact of racial discrimination and injustice (the legacy of slavery, the persistence of prejudice)
• The novel's portrayal of the rural South highlights the unique challenges and cultural dynamics of the region, including the importance of family, community, and spiritual traditions (the role of the church, the significance of storytelling)

Systemic Racism and Power Imbalances

• The novel depicts the ongoing struggles of African American characters in the face of systemic racism, discrimination, and limited economic opportunities
• The interactions between the biracial family and white characters, such as the police officer who pulls them over, highlight the persistent racial tensions and power imbalances in the American South (the officer's assumptions and mistreatment of the family, the fear and trauma triggered by the encounter)
• The legacy of slavery and Jim Crow is evident in the stories of Parchman prison, where Pop and Richie experienced horrific abuse and violence (the inhumane conditions, the exploitation of African American prisoners)
• The novel exposes the ways in which racism and discrimination are embedded in the social, economic, and political structures of the American South, creating barriers to equality and justice (the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, the lack of resources in predominantly Black communities)

Interracial Relationships and Biracial Identity

• The novel portrays the complexities of interracial relationships, as seen through Leonie's tumultuous partnership with Michael, a white man, and the challenges their children face as biracial individuals in a racially divided society
• Jojo and Kayla's experiences as biracial children highlight the unique struggles and identity issues faced by those navigating multiple racial and cultural backgrounds (the questioning of their belonging, the impact of societal expectations and stereotypes)
• The novel explores the tensions and prejudices surrounding interracial relationships, both from within the family and from the broader community (Pop's initial disapproval of Leonie and Michael's relationship, the judgment faced by the couple)
• The characters' journeys and interactions underscore the importance of understanding, empathy, and open communication in building bridges across racial and cultural divides (Michael's efforts to connect with Jojo, Leonie's attempts to reconcile her love for Michael with her family's expectations)

Supernatural Elements and Folklore

African American Folklore and Magical Realism

• The presence of ghosts and spiritual elements in the novel draws upon African American folklore and the tradition of magical realism in literature
• The incorporation of supernatural elements reflects the rich storytelling heritage of African American culture and the belief in the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual worlds (the presence of ancestors, the power of dreams and visions)
• The novel's use of magical realism allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' inner lives, emotions, and experiences, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural (Jojo's ability to communicate with ghosts, Leonie's visions of Given)
• The inclusion of folklore and spiritual elements serves to challenge Western notions of reality and to assert the validity and significance of African American cultural traditions (the importance of Mam's role as a healer, the respect for ancestral knowledge)

Ghosts and the Legacy of Historical Trauma

• Richie's ghost serves as a link between the present-day narrative and the historical injustices of the past, highlighting the ongoing impact of trauma and the need for healing and reconciliation
• The presence of ghosts in the novel underscores the lingering effects of slavery, racism, and violence on African American individuals and communities (the haunting of Parchman prison, the restless spirits of the ancestors)
• The interactions between the living characters and the ghosts emphasize the importance of confronting and addressing historical traumas in order to break cycles of pain and oppression (Jojo's role in helping Richie find peace, Pop's reconciliation with his past)
• The supernatural elements in the story serve as a metaphor for the weight of unresolved grief, guilt, and injustice, and the need for collective healing and remembrance (the impact of Given's death on the family, the significance of the ritual at the novel's end)

Spirituality and Ancestral Knowledge

• Mam's ability to communicate with spirits and her role as a healer reflects the importance of spirituality and ancestral knowledge in African American culture
• The novel portrays the passing down of spiritual practices and wisdom from one generation to the next as a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering resilience (Mam's mentorship of Jojo, the significance of the family's altar)
• The characters' connection to the spiritual world and their ancestors serves as a source of guidance, strength, and comfort in the face of adversity (Jojo's reliance on his grandfather's teachings, Leonie's longing for her mother's presence)
• The incorporation of spirituality and ancestral knowledge in the narrative highlights the enduring power of African American cultural traditions and the importance of honoring and learning from the past (the significance of the ritual at the novel's end, the ongoing influence of the ancestors on the characters' lives)