John Edgar Wideman's 'Sent for You Yesterday' delves into the African-American experience in Pittsburgh's Homewood district. The novel, part of the Homewood Trilogy, examines themes of racial identity, societal norms, and the power of memory through a non-linear narrative. Key characters like Carl, Albert Wilkes, and Brother Tate bring to life the community's struggle and resilience.
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The novel utilizes flashbacks and multiple narrators to create a complex and non-linear narrative
Characters reflecting on their past
The characters use their memories to navigate their present realities and confront the impact of racial discrimination
Resistance to racial injustice
The characters in the Homewood community resist and defy the oppressive societal structures of racial discrimination
The novel combines elements of literary fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, and modernism to create a unique storytelling style
Carl returns to Homewood to reconcile with his past and find his identity
Brother Tate and his family
Brother Tate's musical legacy and his family's ties to the Homewood community enrich the novel's portrayal of family and community ties
Mister Mann
Mister Mann represents the malevolent forces within society and adds tension to the story
The novel is set in the Homewood district of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and explores the African-American experience in this community
Defiance of Albert Wilkes
Albert Wilkes' acts of rebellion symbolize defiance against oppressive societal structures
Jazz music of Brother Tate
Brother Tate's soulful jazz music serves as a symbol of African-American culture and heritage
Supernatural motifs
The use of supernatural elements from African-American folklore adds a mystical dimension to the narrative and explores themes of faith and fate
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Homewood Trilogy Composition
Includes 'Sent for You Yesterday' (1983), 'Hiding Place' (1981), 'Damballah' (1981).
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Themes in 'Sent for You Yesterday'
Racial identity, societal complexities, memory significance.
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John Edgar Wideman's Profile
Distinguished writer/academic, portrays African-American culture.
