Author
Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert) Griggs
1872-1933
Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert) Griggs (1872-1933) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert) Griggs
Unfettered: A Novel
"Unfettered: A Novel" by Sutton E. Griggs is a historical fiction narrative written in the early 20th century. This novel delves into the complexities of race relations in the American South during the aftermath of slavery, focusing on the lives of Negro characters and their struggles for dignity and recognition in a society that has historically oppressed them. The story revolves around the character Morlene, a young woman of mixed heritage, as well as Maurice and Lemuel Dalton, representing conflicting ideologies about race and power dynamics. The opening of "Unfettered" sets a somber tone as it begins with the death of Maurice Dalton, who lies surrounded by loved ones, including his devoted nurse Aunt Catherine and the beautiful Morlene, whose paternity is unknown to her but is closely tied to the Dalton legacy. As Maurice's life ends, Aunt Catherine mourns deeply, revealing the emotional connections between the characters. Following Maurice’s death, Lemuel Dalton, the new owner of the estate, expresses a stark change in attitude towards the Negroes living on his property, signaling a shift in power dynamics that will resonate throughout the narrative. The initial chapters establish a foundation for exploring themes of race, love, and identity against a backdrop of personal and societal conflict.
Imperium in Imperio: A Study of the Negro Race Problem. A Novel
"Imperium in Imperio: A Study of the Negro Race Problem. A Novel" by Sutton E. Griggs is a historical fiction novel published in 1899. It follows Belton Piedmont, an educated Black man navigating Jim Crow Virginia, and his complex friendship with Bernard Belgrave. Their paths converge in Waco, Texas, where a secret shadow government of Black men operates with revolutionary aims. As tensions mount between integration and militant separatism, Belton faces an impossible choice between his convictions and his community, leading to a dramatic confrontation about loyalty, justice, and the future.
Overshadowed: A Novel
"Overshadowed: A Novel" by Sutton E. Griggs is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Erma Wysong, a young Negro woman grappling with her identity in a society that treats her and her people with prejudice and hostility. The novel explores themes of race, class, and the struggle for self-recognition against the backdrop of societal expectations and limitations. At the start of the narrative, Erma is depicted as a troubled soul, conflicted by her emotions and the harsh realities of her life as a member of a marginalized group. She is introduced in her parlor, where she paces restlessly, lost in thought as she contemplates her future and her feelings for a young man named Astral Herndon. The opening chapters reveal her descent into despair upon realizing the societal disdain for her decision to seek employment in servitude, reflecting the internalized beliefs about race and the stigma attached to labor. Griggs sets the stage for a tragic exploration of Erma's struggles as she attempts to reconcile her aspirations with the oppressive societal structures that overshadow her existence.
The hindered hand : $b or, The reign of the repressionist
"The Hindered Hand: or, The Reign of the Repressionist" by Sutton E. Griggs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of racial tension, identity, and societal norms through the eyes of its characters, primarily focusing on figures within the African American community during a time of significant social change. The narrative likely follows the struggles and interactions of characters as they confront the harsh realities of their world, particularly against the backdrop of a racially divided society. The opening of the story introduces a young white woman on a train heading to Almaville who attempts to make contact with a Negro porter. Through a note, she expresses a need for help, which is met with apprehension from the porter due to the severe social repercussions that could arise from interracial interactions. As tensions build, a male passenger named Ensal Ellwood asserts the rights of the black passengers when two white men attempt to intrude into their designated space. The young woman's subsequent actions lead her to cross the racial divide, culminating in an emotional connection with a Negro girl named Foresta. Their relationship hints at a deeper theme of solidarity and shared struggles amidst the societal restrictions that define their lives. Thus, the beginning sets the stage for a complex exploration of race, identity, and the fight against repression.