Every semester I tell my students how Ernest Gaines would respond when someone asked him how to become a better writer. Gaines would look at the questioner and say, “There are six words to make you a better writer. Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write.” During my own educational journey I had teachers tell me that in order to be a better writer I … Read More Six Words to Be a Better Writer
When Jim Kelly goes with Marcus to his grandmother’s house in Baton Rouge at the start of Ernest Gaines’ Of Love and Dust, Julie Rand talks with Jim about the plantation and the community after her departure. At one point, she brings up the relationship between Pauline and Bonbon, stares at Jim, and asks, “Do you think there will ever be a time?” Jim, not sure … Read More The Transgression of Rules in Ashley Hope Pérez’s “Out of Darkness”
A few months ago, I received an email from a colleague and mentor. In the email, he did as he always does, asked how I was doing and putting me first. He was reaching out to see if I had a copy or information about an image that he planned to use or reference in an upcoming book. I saw the email but didn’t … Read More Ciao Giovanni
When teaching Ernest Gaines’ Of Love and Dust (1967) this semester, I asked students to think about the hierarchy within the novel. When constructing the hierarchy, students constructed in a horizontal manner, with Marshall Hebert at the top, Sidney Bonbon on the rung beneath him, Louise beneath Bonbon, Pauline beneath Louise, then the Black residents of the plantation on the bottom rung. On the … Read More The Structure of Oppression in Ernest Gaines’ “Of Love and Dust”
+ african american literature, ernest j gaines, Literature, louisiana literature, mass incarceration, of love and dust, thirteenth amendment
When Marcus encounters Pauline on the road in the quarters in Ernest Gaines’ Of Love and Dust, he becomes angry at Pauline for ignoring his advances while she accepts Bonbon’s advances towards her. He asks, “What’s the matter with you? . . . I been working up there all night like a slave, like a dog — and all on ‘count of him. What’s the … Read More The Thirteenth Amendment and Incarceration
Interminable Rambling 