Author
Paul Laurence Dunbar
1872-1906
Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Paul Laurence Dunbar
The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
"The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This anthology brings together the works of one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition for his literary contributions, reflecting the complexities of Black life in America. The poems explore themes of love, struggle, joy, and identity, employing both Standard English and dialect to give voice to the experiences of the African American community of the time. The opening of this collection features an introduction by W. D. Howells, emphasizing Dunbar’s significance as a pivotal literary figure and the cultural importance of his work. Howells articulates an appreciation for Dunbar's ability to capture the essence of Negro life with humor and sincerity, arguing that his poems serve as a crucial narrative amidst a history of oppression. The early verses prominently illustrate Dunbar's exploration of emotional depth and the duality of life experiences, laying the groundwork for the profound and heartfelt expressions that characterize his poetry throughout the collection.
The Sport of the Gods
"The Sport of the Gods" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a novel published in 1902. When a Black butler is wrongly convicted of theft, his family is forced to flee the South for New York City. There, they encounter the harsh realities of Northern urban life as their dreams unravel. The father languishes in prison while his children fall into dangerous paths and his wife struggles to survive. This examination of early twentieth-century African American life explores how injustice and urban pressures can destroy a family.
The Strength of Gideon and Other Stories
"The Strength of Gideon and Other Stories" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories explore themes of African American life, the struggle for identity, love, and the quest for freedom, often centering around characters who navigate the complexities of life in a racially divided society. The opening of the collection introduces the titular story, "The Strength of Gideon," where we meet Gideon, a young boy born to Cassie, whose birth was heralded by a powerful sermon that deeply inspired her. As a child, Gideon exhibits a sense of responsibility and moral leadership, reminiscent of biblical heroes. His noble character shines through as he navigates his childhood, filled with the burdens of expectation. The opening sets the stage for Gideon's development, his relationship with his mother, and the challenges he will face in a world marked by the struggle for dignity and freedom, foreshadowing both personal and societal conflicts that will unfold throughout the narrative.
The heart of Happy Hollow : $b A collection of stories
"The Heart of Happy Hollow" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The book depicts the lives and experiences of African Americans in a small Southern town, exploring themes such as community, identity, and the challenges of social and racial dynamics. Through a range of characters and narratives, Dunbar highlights the resilience, humor, and complexity of their lives. The opening of the collection introduces the setting of Happy Hollow, a place symbolically representing the African American experience, where joy and sorrow coexist. Dunbar outlines various incidents and characters that illustrate the daily lives, aspirations, and struggles of the community. He begins with the story of Robinson Asbury, a barber who rises to political prominence but faces challenges and betrayals as he navigates the intersection of race and power in politics. This sets a tone that blends social commentary with personal narratives, suggesting that the stories to follow will further explore these themes through the lives of other characters in Happy Hollow.
The uncalled : $b A novel
"The Uncalled" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the small, impoverished town of Dexter, Ohio, and explores themes of life, death, and the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants. The central character introduced in the initial chapters is Freddie Brent, a young boy grappling with the consequences of his mother’s untimely death and the impact of societal neglect. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone, as it begins with the dreary morning after the death of Margaret Brent. We are introduced to a group of women gathered in Margaret's ramshackle home as they prepare for her burial. Their conversations reveal their indifference and judgment towards Margaret's struggles with alcoholism, as well as a shared societal tendency to prioritize the living over the dead. Amidst this, young Freddie awakens to the harsh reality of his new life without his mother, and the women attempt to figure out what to do with him. The scene captures both the despair of loss and the complexities of community, hinting at Freddie's uncertain future as he is caught between the expectations of his new guardians and the legacy of his mother.
Folks from Dixie
"Folks from Dixie" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. This work captures the experiences and emotions of African American individuals in the South, often exploring themes of love, faith, and the social dynamics of plantation life. The opening portion highlights the character of Anner 'Lizer, a belle of the plantation, and her relationship with Sam Merritt, illustrating the challenges they face amidst the backdrop of religious fervor and personal aspirations. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Anner 'Lizer, described as the most beautiful woman on the Selfridge estate, who is romantically involved with Sam Merritt. Their relationship is complicated by Anner 'Lizer's deepening religious conviction, which begins to create a rift between her and Sam, who remains indifferent to the church gatherings that she cherishes. The tension escalates as Anner 'Lizer grapples with her desire for spiritual fulfillment while longing for Sam's companionship. Ultimately, she realizes that her feelings for him are a stumbling block on her path to salvation, setting the stage for a personal conflict between love and faith. This opening sets up not only the character dynamics but also the cultural and spiritual struggles within the African American community during the era.