Hi BruceinItaca,
I'm very familiar with the novel, having studied it for Harlem Renaissance course in my PhD program. (I am also familiar with the unfortunate political beliefs of the author in the years after the novel was published) I feel that the "notion" for the novel is hokey, like a B movie, and the treatment of the lead character is melodramatic. I don't know how I would've felt if I read it in the thirties, (not all critics praised it, if I recall correctly). Other works from the period we read were also melodramtic (i.e., Passing), but not as hokey. I certainly don't expect texts from the past to "conform to recieved assumptions," and am not sure what you mean by that remark in this context. As I mentioned, I enjoyed the musical very much, and thought the production elements were outstanding. I look forward to seeing it again, in all it's potent, hokey, melodramatic glory! |
