Author
Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt
1858-1932
Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt (1858-1932) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt
The Conjure Woman
"The Conjure Woman" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a collection of short stories published in 1899. Set in post-Civil War North Carolina, the stories follow John, a white Northern businessman, and his wife Annie as they encounter Uncle Julius McAdoo, a former slave who shares haunting tales of slavery, conjuring, and transformation. Through McAdoo's clever storytelling, Chesnutt subverts plantation literature traditions, revealing the brutal realities of slavery while celebrating black resistance and intelligence through African American folklore and hoodoo traditions.
The House Behind the Cedars
"The House Behind the Cedars" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel published in 1900. Set in the post-Civil War South, it follows Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed ancestry who leaves home to live as white alongside her brother. When she falls in love with a white aristocrat, the secret of her heritage threatens to destroy everything. The novel explores interracial relations and the complexities of racial identity in America's Reconstruction era.
The Wife of his Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line, and Selected Essays
"The Wife of His Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line, and Selected Essays" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a collection of short stories and essays written during the late 19th century, highlighting the complex issues of race, identity, and social class in post-Civil War America. The narratives often feature characters from the African-American community navigating the challenges posed by societal color lines, including the prejudices prevalent among their own ranks. Through these stories, Chesnutt explores themes of belonging, love, and the struggle for dignity and acceptance. The opening of the book introduces Mr. Ryder, a prominent member of the Blue Vein Society, a group of light-skinned African-Americans who aspire to elevate their social standing while grappling with the implications of their racial identity. As he prepares to host a ball in honor of Mrs. Molly Dixon—whom he admires—an unexpected encounter with an elderly black woman named 'Liza Jane brings to the surface deeper questions of loyalty and belonging. Her story of searching for her long-lost husband, who escaped slavery, contrasts sharply with Mr. Ryder's aspirations and invites reflections on past relationships and societal expectations. This initial segment sets the tone for Chesnutt's poignant exploration of race and the personal conflicts that arise from it.
The Marrow of Tradition
"The Marrow of Tradition" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel published in 1901. Set in the fictional town of Wellington, it portrays the 1898 Wilmington Insurrection, when white supremacists violently overthrew a legitimately elected government. The story follows interweaving plots across racial lines: a newspaper owner conspiring to seize political control, a Black physician facing Jim Crow segregation, half-sisters divided by race, and a son seeking revenge for his father's murder. All converge in election-day violence that forces each character toward a reckoning.
Frederick Douglass A Biography
"Frederick Douglass" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the life and achievements of Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became a prominent abolitionist and advocate for civil rights. It emphasizes Douglass's remarkable journey from slavery to becoming a respected leader and orator, illustrating his impact on the fight against racial oppression. The opening of the book sets the stage for Douglass's extraordinary life story. It begins with a preface that outlines his significance as a champion for the oppressed, highlighting his oratory skills and the complexities of his experiences with slavery and prejudice. Then, it provides a chronology of key events in Douglass's life, including his birth, his separation from his mother at a young age, and his struggles against the brutal realities of slavery. The narrative conveys his thirst for knowledge, particularly his acquisition of reading and writing skills, which became pivotal in his advocacy and eventual escape from bondage. The beginning establishes a foundation for understanding Douglass's resilience and the challenges he faced, setting up a deeper exploration of his significant contributions to American society.
The Colonel's Dream
"The Colonel's Dream" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel published in 1905. After selling his business, Colonel Henry French returns to his North Carolina hometown with his son, hoping for a brief nostalgic visit. Instead, he confronts the harsh reality of post-Civil War racial oppression and economic injustice. Determined to transform his segregated Southern town into an equal society, the Colonel challenges powerful local interests and deeply entrenched white supremacy. His ambitious dreams for social reform meet fierce resistance, personal tragedy, and violent opposition.