Assignment Question
Write about sound in Hurston’s novel and in Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues.” How do these African Amerian writers evoke the distinctive sounds created by the Black body, in Black communities? Do these conjured sounds communicate protest, sorrow, joy, or some other emotion(s)? Why is the ownership of Black sound so important to characters in these books?
Answer
Introduction
African American literature is a rich tapestry that resonates with the distinctive sounds of Black communities, reflecting the diverse range of emotions, experiences, and struggles within those communities . Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” are two seminal works that vividly capture the evocative power of sound in the African American context. These novels not only provide a literary exploration of the Black body but also delve into the significance of owning and controlling Black sound. Through the use of music, dialogue, and narrative, Hurston and Baldwin conjure sounds that communicate protest, sorrow, joy, and various other emotions. This essay will delve into the ways these African American writers evoke distinctive sounds created by the Black body in Black communities, the emotions these sounds convey, and the importance of owning Black sound to the characters within these novels.
The Evocation of Sound in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is a novel that masterfully captures the sounds of Black communities in rural Florida during the early 20th century. The protagonist, Janie Crawford, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and throughout her narrative, we witness the interplay of sound in her life. From the rich dialects of the characters to the sounds of nature and the blues, Hurston paints a vivid auditory landscape that mirrors the multifaceted experiences of African Americans (Hurston 1937).
One of the most striking elements of sound in Hurston’s novel is the use of dialect. Hurston, an anthropologist as well as a novelist, was keenly attuned to the nuances of language within the Black community. Through the use of dialect, she captures the rhythm and cadence of speech, making the characters come alive with their distinctive voices. The characters’ speech is not just a means of communication; it is a form of cultural expression and resistance. It conveys the rich history, traditions, and identity of the Black community. The dialect in “Their Eyes Were Watching God” serves as a sonic tapestry that binds the characters to their roots and gives them a voice in a world that often silences them (Hurston 1937).
Moreover, the novel incorporates the sounds of nature as a reflection of Janie’s emotional journey. Throughout the novel, the natural world is described with rich, evocative language that immerses the reader in the sensory experience of the characters (Hurston 1937). The hurricane scene, for example, is a powerful moment where the sound of the storm becomes a symbol of chaos and upheaval, mirroring Janie’s internal struggles. In contrast, the pear tree scene is a moment of profound serenity and awakening, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of nature. These natural sounds act as a backdrop to Janie’s emotional experiences, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the human spirit with the natural world (Hurston 1937).
Additionally, music, particularly the blues, plays a significant role in evoking emotions and experiences within the novel (Hurston 1937). The blues, often associated with sorrow and pain, becomes a means of catharsis and self-expression for the characters. Janie’s grandmother, Nanny, warns her about the dangers of the blues, seeing it as a path to sorrow. However, Janie discovers that the blues can also be a source of empowerment and self-realization. Through the blues, the characters find a way to voice their struggles, hopes, and desires. It becomes a means of protest against the constraints of a society that seeks to silence their voices (Hurston 1937).
The Conjured Sounds and Emotions in Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues”
James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” explores the soundscape of Harlem, focusing on the lives of two brothers, Sonny and the unnamed narrator (Baldwin 1957). The story is deeply rooted in the jazz and blues culture of Harlem, and Baldwin skillfully employs music as a metaphor for the complexities of African American identity and experience (Baldwin 1957).
In “Sonny’s Blues,” music, specifically jazz, serves as a central theme and a driving force in the narrative (Baldwin 1957). Jazz, with its improvisational nature and emotional depth, becomes a powerful medium through which the characters express their innermost feelings and confront their traumas. Sonny, a talented jazz pianist, uses music as a means of coping with his struggles, including addiction and the sense of alienation (Baldwin 1957). The sounds of the piano, accompanied by the saxophone and other instruments, take on a life of their own, conveying a range of emotions, from sorrow and despair to joy and redemption.
The relationship between Sonny and his brother is also defined by the sounds of their interactions (Baldwin 1957). The dialogue between the two brothers is filled with tension and misunderstanding, reflecting the dissonance of their experiences. However, it is through music, particularly when Sonny invites his brother to a jazz club, that they begin to bridge the gap between them. The music becomes a language that transcends words, allowing them to connect on a deeper level and communicate their shared pain and hope (Baldwin 1957).
Furthermore, the urban soundscape of Harlem, with its cacophony of voices, traffic, and music, serves as a backdrop to the characters’ lives (Baldwin 1957). The noise of the city is both a source of frustration and a reminder of the vibrant cultural milieu of Harlem. It is a constant presence, shaping the characters’ experiences and reflecting the complexities of life in a Black urban community (Baldwin 1957).
Ownership of Black Sound: Protest, Sorrow, and Joy
In both “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Sonny’s Blues,” the ownership of Black sound is a crucial aspect of the characters’ identities and their resistance against societal pressures. The distinctive sounds created by the Black body in these novels serve as a form of protest, a means of expressing sorrow, and a source of joy and healing.
In Hurston’s novel, the ownership of Black sound is an act of resistance against the forces that seek to silence and oppress the Black community (Hurston 1937). Through dialect, music, and the sounds of nature, the characters assert their cultural heritage and refuse to conform to the linguistic and cultural norms imposed by the dominant white society. The blues, in particular, becomes a form of protest against the injustices and limitations placed on African Americans. It is a means of voicing their pain, resilience, and desire for freedom (Hurston 1937).
In Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues,” the ownership of Black sound is intertwined with the characters’ struggles and healing processes (Baldwin 1957). Sonny’s music is not just a form of self-expression but also a way to confront his addiction and inner demons. Through jazz, he finds a path to redemption and a means of transcending his pain. The music, with its improvisational nature, becomes a symbol of resilience and the ability to find beauty in the midst of suffering (Baldwin 1957).
Conclusion
In Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues,” the evocative power of sound in African American communities is brilliantly portrayed. Through dialect, music, and the sounds of nature, these authors conjure a rich auditory landscape that reflects the diverse emotions and experiences of Black individuals. The ownership of Black sound is a powerful act of protest, a means of expressing sorrow, and a source of joy and healing for the characters within these novels. These works remind us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the distinctive sounds created by the Black body, as they are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of African American communities.
References
Hurston, Z. N. (1937). Their Eyes Were Watching God. Harper & Row.
Baldwin, J. (1957). Sonny’s Blues. Partisan Review, 24(4), 615-633.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)
1. Why is sound such a prominent theme in African American literature?
Sound plays a pivotal role in African American literature because it serves as a cultural and historical marker. It reflects the distinct experiences, traditions, and struggles of Black communities. Additionally, sound, including dialects and music, is a powerful means of self-expression and resistance in the face of oppression.
2. How do dialects contribute to the evocation of sound in African American literature?
Dialects in African American literature capture the unique cadences, rhythms, and linguistic patterns of Black communities. They create an auditory landscape that immerses readers in the cultural context and allows characters to assert their identities in a predominantly white society.
3. How does music, particularly the blues and jazz, serve as a form of protest and empowerment in these novels?
Music, especially the blues and jazz, is deeply intertwined with African American history and culture. In these novels, it becomes a vehicle for expressing pain, resilience, and the desire for freedom. It serves as a form of protest against societal injustices and provides a means of empowerment and self-realization.
4. What is the significance of the natural soundscape in African American literature?
The natural soundscape in African American literature often mirrors the emotional journey of the characters. It symbolizes both chaos and serenity, serving as a backdrop to their experiences. Natural sounds can represent the characters’ connection to the land and the spiritual aspects of their lives.
5. How do the characters in these novels navigate the tension between their cultural sounds and societal expectations?
Characters in African American literature often grapple with the tension between preserving their cultural sounds and conforming to the linguistic and cultural norms imposed by the dominant white society. This tension reflects the broader struggle for identity and agency in a racially stratified society.
6. Can you explain how sound contributes to the healing process of characters in these novels?
Sound, particularly music, serves as a form of healing in these novels. Characters use music to cope with trauma, addiction, and inner conflicts. It becomes a means of transcending pain and finding redemption and solace.
