August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a powerful play that explores the lives of African Americans in the early 20th century. Through the story of a group of people living in a boarding house in Pittsburgh, Wilson examines the themes of identity, community, and freedom. In this literary analysis, we will unpack the play and explore its characters, themes, and symbols, as well as its historical and cultural context. We will also discuss the significance of Wilson’s work in the canon of African American literature and theater.
Historical Context
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a play that is set in the early 20th century, during the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North. This period was marked by significant social and economic changes, as African Americans sought better opportunities and freedom from the oppression of Jim Crow laws. The play is set in a boarding house in Pittsburgh, where a group of African Americans from different parts of the country come together in search of a better life. The historical context of the play is crucial to understanding the themes and characters, as it provides a backdrop for the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during this time. Wilson’s play explores the complexities of identity, community, and belonging, as well as the legacy of slavery and the search for cultural roots. Through the characters’ experiences, Wilson highlights the resilience and strength of African Americans in the face of adversity, and the importance of connection and support in building a sense of belonging and identity. Overall, the historical context of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone provides a rich and nuanced backdrop for Wilson’s exploration of African American life and culture during a pivotal moment in American history.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is the search for identity and belonging. Set in the early 20th century, the play explores the lives of African Americans who have migrated to the North in search of better opportunities. The characters struggle to find their place in a society that is still grappling with issues of race and discrimination.
Another important theme is the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American culture. The play references the historical figure of Joe Turner, a white man who was notorious for kidnapping black men and forcing them into labor. This legacy of slavery is seen in the characters’ experiences of displacement, trauma, and the search for their ancestral roots.
Motifs such as music and spirituality are also woven throughout the play. The characters often sing and dance, using music as a way to connect with their cultural heritage and express their emotions. Spirituality is also a significant motif, with characters seeking guidance and solace from ancestors and supernatural forces.
Overall, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a complex and nuanced exploration of African American identity and culture. Through its themes and motifs, the play offers a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle for equality and belonging in America.
Character Analysis
One of the most intriguing characters in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is Bynum Walker. Bynum is a mysterious, spiritual man who is searching for his “song,” a spiritual connection that will give him a sense of purpose and belonging. Throughout the play, Bynum is a source of wisdom and guidance for the other characters, particularly Herald Loomis, who is also searching for his own sense of identity and purpose. Bynum’s journey is a powerful exploration of the human need for connection and meaning, and his character adds depth and complexity to the play’s themes of identity, community, and spirituality.
Symbols and Imagery
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a play that is rich in symbolism and imagery. The play is set in a boarding house in Pittsburgh in 1911 and explores the lives of African Americans who have migrated from the South to the North in search of a better life. The play is filled with symbols and imagery that help to convey the themes of the play and the experiences of the characters.
One of the most prominent symbols in the play is the song “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” The song is a reference to a real-life person, Joe Turner, who was a white man who would kidnap African Americans and force them into labor. The song is a reminder of the history of slavery and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. The song is also a symbol of hope, as it represents the idea that one day Joe Turner will be gone and African Americans will be free.
Another important symbol in the play is the African drum. The drum is a symbol of African culture and tradition, and it represents the connection that the characters have to their African roots. The drum is also a symbol of communication, as it is used to send messages and convey emotions.
The imagery in the play is also powerful. The boarding house is described as a “way station,” a place where people come and go on their journey through life. This imagery reinforces the idea that the characters are on a journey, both physically and emotionally. The imagery of the characters’ dreams is also important, as it represents their hopes and aspirations for the future.
Overall, the symbols and imagery in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone help to create a rich and complex world that is both historical and universal. The play is a powerful exploration of the African American experience, and the symbols and imagery help to convey the themes and emotions of the play in a way that is both subtle and profound.
Setting and Atmosphere
The setting and atmosphere of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone play a crucial role in the development of the story and its characters. The play is set in a boardinghouse in Pittsburgh in 1911, during the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North. The boardinghouse serves as a temporary home for a diverse group of characters, each with their own unique story and struggles.
The atmosphere of the boardinghouse is one of constant movement and change, as new guests arrive and depart, and the characters navigate their own personal journeys. The boardinghouse is a place of refuge for those seeking a better life, but it is also a place of tension and conflict as the characters confront their past traumas and present challenges.
The setting of the play also reflects the larger social and historical context of the time period. The Great Migration was a time of significant change and upheaval for African Americans, as they sought to escape the oppression and violence of the Jim Crow South and find new opportunities in the North. The boardinghouse serves as a microcosm of this larger social movement, as the characters struggle to find their place in a new and unfamiliar world.
Overall, the setting and atmosphere of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone play a vital role in the story’s themes of identity, community, and the search for meaning and belonging. Through the vivid and evocative portrayal of the boardinghouse and its inhabitants, August Wilson creates a powerful and resonant portrait of a pivotal moment in American history.
Narrative Structure
The narrative structure of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a crucial element in understanding the play’s themes and characters. Wilson employs a non-linear structure, with flashbacks and dream sequences, to explore the experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century. The play is divided into three acts, each representing a different day in the lives of the characters who reside at Seth and Bertha Holly’s boardinghouse. The structure allows Wilson to delve into the past traumas and present struggles of his characters, while also highlighting the cyclical nature of history and the ongoing search for identity and belonging. Through this narrative structure, Wilson creates a powerful and poignant portrayal of the African American experience during a pivotal moment in American history.
Language and Style
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a masterpiece of African American literature. The play is a powerful exploration of the African American experience during the early 20th century. Wilson’s language and style are key elements that make the play so compelling. The play is written in a poetic and lyrical style that captures the rhythms and cadences of African American speech. Wilson’s use of dialect and vernacular language adds authenticity and depth to the characters and their experiences. The play is also rich in symbolism and metaphor, which adds layers of meaning to the story. Wilson’s language and style are essential to the play’s success, and they make Joe Turner’s Come and Gone a timeless work of literature.
Wilson’s Writing Career
August Wilson’s writing career spanned over three decades, during which he produced some of the most celebrated works in American theater. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilson grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood, which would later serve as the inspiration for many of his plays. He dropped out of school at the age of 15 and began working odd jobs to support himself. It wasn’t until he discovered the works of African American writers such as Langston Hughes and Richard Wright that he became interested in writing himself.
Wilson’s first play, “Jitney,” was written in 1979 but was not produced until 1982. It was the first in what would become his ten-play cycle, each of which explored the African American experience in a different decade of the 20th century. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” which was written in 1984 and premiered on Broadway in 1988, is the second play in the cycle and is set in 1911.
Wilson’s writing style is characterized by his use of vernacular language and his ability to capture the rhythms and cadences of everyday speech. He was also known for his use of symbolism and his exploration of themes such as identity, family, and the search for meaning in life. His plays have been praised for their authenticity and their ability to give voice to the experiences of African Americans.
Wilson’s writing career was cut short when he died of liver cancer in 2005 at the age of 60. However, his legacy lives on through his plays, which continue to be performed and studied by theater companies and scholars around the world. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is just one example of the powerful and enduring works that Wilson created during his career as a playwright.
Critical Reception
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone has been widely praised by critics and scholars alike for its powerful portrayal of the African American experience during the early 20th century. The play has been lauded for its richly drawn characters, vivid language, and complex themes of identity, community, and spirituality.
Many critics have noted the play’s use of African American folklore and mythology, which Wilson weaves seamlessly into the narrative. The character of Bynum, in particular, has been singled out for his role as a “conjure man” who helps the other characters find their spiritual roots and connect with their ancestors.
Others have praised the play’s exploration of the Great Migration, a pivotal moment in African American history when millions of people left the rural South for the urban North in search of better opportunities. Wilson’s depiction of the boardinghouse as a microcosm of this larger movement has been hailed as a masterful example of how to capture the complexities of a historical moment in a single work of art.
Despite its critical acclaim, some have criticized Joe Turner’s Come and Gone for its slow pacing and lack of action. However, most agree that the play’s strengths far outweigh any weaknesses, and that it remains a powerful and important work of American literature.
Racial Identity and Representation
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a play that explores the complexities of racial identity and representation in America during the early 20th century. Set in a boarding house in Pittsburgh, the play follows the lives of African American characters who are searching for their place in a society that has historically marginalized and oppressed them.
One of the central themes of the play is the idea of “finding oneself” in a world that denies one’s identity. The characters in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone are all struggling to define themselves in a society that has historically defined them by their race. For example, Herald Loomis, a central character in the play, is a former slave who is searching for his wife and child. Throughout the play, he grapples with his identity as a black man in America and the trauma of his past.
The play also explores the idea of representation and how it can be used to empower or oppress marginalized communities. The boarding house in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone serves as a microcosm of society, where the characters are constantly negotiating their identities and their place in the world. The play highlights the importance of representation in shaping one’s identity and how it can be used to challenge or reinforce societal norms.
Overall, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a powerful exploration of racial identity and representation in America. Through its complex characters and nuanced themes, the play offers a poignant commentary on the struggles of African Americans in a society that has historically denied them their humanity.
Community and Belonging
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a play that explores the theme of community and belonging. Set in a boarding house in Pittsburgh during the early 1900s, the play follows a group of African Americans who have migrated from the South in search of a better life. The boarding house serves as a microcosm of the larger African American community, and the characters’ interactions with one another highlight the importance of community and belonging in their lives.
Throughout the play, the characters struggle to find their place in the world. Some, like Herald Loomis, are searching for a lost loved one and a sense of purpose. Others, like Bynum Walker, are searching for spiritual fulfillment and a connection to their African heritage. Still, others, like Mattie Campbell, are searching for love and companionship.
Despite their individual struggles, the characters in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone find solace in their shared experiences and their sense of community. They come together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and support one another through difficult times. Through their interactions, they create a sense of belonging that helps them navigate the challenges of life in a racially divided society.
Ultimately, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a powerful exploration of the importance of community and belonging in the lives of African Americans. Through the characters’ struggles and triumphs, the play reminds us of the enduring strength and resilience of the African American community, and the vital role that community plays in shaping our lives and our sense of self.
Masculinity and Femininity
Masculinity and femininity are two concepts that are explored in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The play is set in a boarding house in Pittsburgh during the early 1900s, where a group of African Americans are trying to find their place in society. The characters in the play are all struggling with their identities, and their ideas of what it means to be a man or a woman.
One of the main characters in the play, Herald Loomis, is a man who has been searching for his wife for years. He is a strong and powerful figure, but he is also vulnerable and emotional. Loomis’ masculinity is challenged throughout the play, as he struggles to come to terms with his past and his present.
On the other hand, the character of Bertha Holly is a strong and independent woman who runs the boarding house. She is a mother figure to the other characters in the play, and she is not afraid to speak her mind. Bertha’s femininity is also challenged in the play, as she is forced to confront the realities of being a black woman in a society that does not value her.
Overall, the play explores the complexities of masculinity and femininity, and how these concepts are shaped by race and society. The characters in the play are all trying to find their place in the world, and they are all struggling with their identities. Through their struggles, the play highlights the importance of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and the need to challenge societal norms and expectations.
Religion and Spirituality
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a play that explores the themes of identity, community, and spirituality. Set in a boarding house in Pittsburgh during the early 20th century, the play follows the lives of a group of African Americans who have migrated from the South in search of a better life.
Religion and spirituality play a significant role in the play, as many of the characters are searching for a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. The boarding house is run by Seth and Bertha Holly, who are deeply religious and believe in the power of prayer. They often lead the other characters in prayer and encourage them to seek guidance from God.
One of the most interesting characters in the play is Bynum, a mysterious old man who is known for his spiritual powers. Bynum is a conjure man, someone who practices African American folk magic, and he is able to help the other characters find their “song,” or their true identity. Bynum’s spirituality is a blend of African and Christian traditions, and he believes that everyone has a spiritual purpose that they must discover in order to find fulfillment in life.
Overall, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a powerful exploration of the role of religion and spirituality in African American culture. The play shows how these beliefs can provide a sense of community and purpose, even in the face of adversity and discrimination.
Migrations and Displacement
Migrations and displacement are central themes in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The play is set in a Pittsburgh boardinghouse in 1911, where a group of African Americans have come to find work and build new lives for themselves. However, many of them are haunted by their past experiences of slavery and forced migration, and struggle to find a sense of belonging in their new surroundings.
One character who embodies this struggle is Herald Loomis, a former slave who has spent years searching for his wife and child, who were taken from him by the notorious “Joe Turner.” Loomis arrives at the boardinghouse with his young daughter Zonia, but is consumed by his quest to find his family. He is unable to connect with the other residents, who view him as aloof and distant.
Another character who grapples with displacement is Bynum Walker, a mystic who seeks to connect with his African roots through spiritual rituals. Bynum is a source of wisdom and guidance for the other characters, but he too is haunted by his past experiences of slavery and forced migration.
Through these characters and others, Wilson explores the complex legacy of African American migration and displacement in the early 20th century. He shows how these experiences shaped the lives of individuals and communities, and how they continue to resonate in the present day.
Family and Kinship
Family and Kinship play a significant role in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The play is set in a boardinghouse in Pittsburgh, where a diverse group of African Americans come together seeking a better life. The characters in the play are all searching for their identity and a sense of belonging, and family and kinship provide them with a sense of community and support.
The boardinghouse is run by Seth and Bertha Holly, who are a married couple with a strong sense of family values. They provide a home for their boarders and treat them like family. The boarders, in turn, form their own family-like bonds with each other.
One of the central characters in the play is Herald Loomis, a man who is searching for his wife and child. He is a complex character who is haunted by his past and struggles to find his place in the world. Through his interactions with the other characters in the boardinghouse, he begins to find a sense of belonging and family.
Another character who highlights the importance of family and kinship is Bynum Walker, a conjure man who helps the other characters connect with their ancestors and find their identity. Bynum’s rituals and beliefs provide a sense of community and belonging for the characters in the play.
Overall, family and kinship are essential themes in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The characters in the play are all searching for a sense of belonging and identity, and family and kinship provide them with the support and community they need to find their place in the world.
Power and Oppression
Power and oppression are central themes in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The play explores the experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century, a time when racism and discrimination were rampant. The characters in the play are all struggling to find their place in a society that is hostile to their very existence. They are constantly reminded of their inferiority and are subjected to various forms of oppression, including economic, social, and political. The play also highlights the ways in which power is wielded by those in positions of authority, and how this power is used to maintain the status quo. Through the characters’ experiences, Wilson shows how power and oppression are intertwined, and how they shape the lives of those who are marginalized and oppressed. Ultimately, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a powerful exploration of the human experience, and a testament to the resilience and strength of those who have been oppressed.
Love and Relationships
In August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, the theme of love and relationships is explored through the various characters and their experiences. The play takes place in a boarding house in Pittsburgh during the early 1900s, where a group of African Americans have come to find work and build new lives for themselves. Throughout the play, we see how the characters navigate their relationships with each other, whether it be romantic, familial, or platonic.
One of the most prominent relationships in the play is that between Herald Loomis and his daughter Zonia. Herald is a man who has been scarred by his past, having been enslaved and separated from his family. He is searching for his wife Martha and their daughter Zonia, whom he has not seen in years. When he finally finds them, he struggles to reconnect with them and build a relationship. This is complicated by the fact that Zonia has been raised by Martha’s new husband, and Herald feels like an outsider in his own family.
Another relationship that is explored in the play is that between Bynum and Jeremy. Bynum is a spiritual healer who helps the other characters find their “song,” or their purpose in life. Jeremy is a young man who is searching for his own identity and place in the world. Bynum takes Jeremy under his wing and helps him discover his own song, which involves his love of music and his desire to travel. Through their relationship, we see how Bynum is able to guide and mentor Jeremy, and how Jeremy is able to learn from Bynum’s wisdom and experience.
Overall, the theme of love and relationships in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a complex and nuanced one. Through the various characters and their experiences, we see how love can be both a source of joy and pain, and how relationships can be both supportive and challenging. The play ultimately suggests that it is through our connections with others that we are able to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Symbolism of the Road
The road is a recurring symbol in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. It represents the journey of the African American people towards freedom and self-discovery. The road is also a metaphor for life, with its twists and turns, ups and downs, and unexpected detours. The characters in the play are all on their own individual journeys, and the road serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. The road also represents the idea of the American Dream, with its promise of opportunity and success for all. However, for African Americans, the road to achieving the American Dream has been fraught with obstacles and challenges. Through the symbolism of the road, Wilson highlights the resilience and determination of the African American people in the face of adversity.
Legacy and Influence
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone has left a lasting legacy in the world of literature and theater. The play, which premiered in 1984, is part of Wilson’s ten-play cycle that explores the African American experience throughout the 20th century. Joe Turner’s Come and Gone specifically focuses on the lives of Black Americans in the early 1900s, during the Great Migration.
Wilson’s use of language and dialogue in the play has been praised for its authenticity and power. The characters speak in a mix of African American Vernacular English and Southern dialects, which adds to the play’s realism and cultural significance.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone has also had a significant influence on other works of literature and theater. The play has been adapted into an opera and has inspired numerous other plays and films. Its themes of identity, community, and the search for belonging continue to resonate with audiences today.
Overall, August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a timeless work of literature that has made a significant impact on the world of theater and beyond. Its legacy and influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.