Discussion Questions – Chesnutt On The Surface, Chesnutt’s ✓ Solved

Discussion questions –Chesnutt On the surface, Chesnutt’s

Chesnutt’s “The Passing of Grandison” seems to be merely a realistic, although humorous, portrayal of the relationship between a rich, Southern plantation family and black slaves. However, Chesnutt cleverly undermines the supposed “realism” of the story when Grandison returns and re-escapes with his entire family. When the “simple” slave tricks the Colonel, Chesnutt wants us to see that the “realistic” portrayal of southern life is only a deceptive fantasy of gentle masters and happy slaves.

1. From the Colonel’s perspective, name at least 2 traits that describe what slavery “really” is. Find a passage for each trait. (Hint: The Colonel thinks of himself as a proud and happy father of silly, pitiful, child-like slaves. He thinks his slaves are so happy and grateful to have a great man, like him, to watch over, guide, and protect them. Is this the truth of slavery or just his own imagination?)

2. The theme of deception is also at the core in the relationship between Dick Owens and Grandison. Describe one way Owens deceives either his father and Grandison (1 passage). However, Grandison is even more deceptive not just to the Colonel, but also to Owens. How does Grandison trick Owens and the Colonel (1 passage)? Chesnutt, as the writer, never lets us know what Grandison is thinking throughout the story. Offer an interpretation about why that is the case. (Hint: As you read the story, did Chesnutt trick YOU?)

Paper For Above Instructions

In Charles W. Chesnutt's short story, "The Passing of Grandison," the protagonist Grandison cleverly navigates the world of Southern slavery, ultimately outsmarting the seemingly benevolent plantation owner, Colonel Owens. This nuanced portrayal not only highlights the deceptive nature of perceptions surrounding slavery but also underscores themes of manipulation and resistance within oppressive systems.

To explore the traits of slavery from Colonel Owens' perspective, we can identify two critical traits. The first trait is the perception of paternalism. Colonel Owens perceives himself as a benevolent figure, a "father" to his slaves, whom he believes are incapable of self-governance. In his mind, he provides for their needs, which he equates to a form of protection. For instance, Owens remarks on the happiness of his slaves, believing that they are content with their servitude. This is supported by the passage where Owens states, "I have done my duty by them, and I hope they appreciate it." This reflects his skewed view of the master-slave relationship, which contrasts sharply with the reality of the slaves' experiences and desires for freedom.

The second trait is the derogatory view of slaves as child-like beings, unable to grasp the full scope of their own oppression. Owens describes his slaves as "simple" and "grateful," convinced that they look up to him as a paternal figure. This perspective is vividly illustrated when he muses, "They are better off under my care than they would be if left to their own devices." This notion illustrates a profound misunderstanding of slavery, revealing the Colonel's arrogance and self-delusion.

Turning to the relationship between Dick Owens and Grandison, we see further layers of deception. Dick Owens deceives both his father and Grandison in his pursuit of what he believes is a romantic connection with the slave woman, describing to Grandison how he wishes to marry her. This reveals not only his superficial understanding of the dynamics of slavery but also his father’s. At one point, Dick tells Grandison, "You're lucky to be in my family; you'll be free soon." This moment of falsehood emphasizes Dick's shallow grasp of the realities of Grandison's life and aspirations.

However, Grandison's deception is far deeper. He skillfully manipulates the perceptions of both Dick and Colonel Owens. By initially conforming to their expectations of him as a compliant slave, he earns their trust and utilizes it to orchestrate his escape. The critical passage illustrating this moment is when Grandison feigns understanding of the Colonel's position, saying, "I knows my place, Colonel, and I means to stay in it." This roots the intelligence of Grandison's character while simultaneously critiquing the insidious nature of slavery, portraying it as an oppressive system where slaves employ subversion as a means of resistance.

Chesnutt intentionally keeps Grandison's thoughts ambiguous throughout the story, allowing only his actions and dialogues to reveal his character. This narrative choice may serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it creates a suspenseful atmosphere, forcing readers to engage in a continuous interpretation of his motives. Secondly, it reflects the broader experience of enslaved individuals whose inner lives and desires are often overshadowed by the dominant narratives of their oppressors. Ultimately, this ambiguity challenges readers to question their own assumptions about identity, autonomy, and the nature of freedom.

Chesnutt's story thereby functions on several levels: it critiques the illusions of a harmonious slave-master relationship while simultaneously showcasing the cleverness and resilience of those who lived under the bondage of slavery. Through perspective shifts, the author invites readers to reflect on the social constructs of race and power, emphasizing the need to recognize the complexity of historical narratives.

In conclusion, "The Passing of Grandison" serves as a compelling exploration of the themes of deception, power, and the dynamics of slavery. Through Colonel Owens’ misguided perceptions and Grandison's clever subversion, Chesnutt effectively critiques the romanticized visions of slavery held by many in Southern society. This layered narrative prompts a critical reflection on the history of race relations in America and the ongoing dialogue about the implications of those historical narratives in shaping contemporary society.

References

• Chesnutt, Charles W. "The Passing of Grandison." In The Goophered Grapevine, 1899.
• Gates, Henry Louis. "The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African American Literary Criticism." Oxford University Press, 1988.
• McKay, Claude. "Banjo." Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1929.
• Du Bois, W.E.B. "The Souls of Black Folk." A.C. McClurg & Co., 1903.
• Herring, Scott. "The Sites of Memory: The Art of Charles W. Chesnutt." Journal of American Studies, 2008.
• Gunnarsson, Eva. "The Complexities of Paternalism in Charles W. Chesnutt's Work." African American Review, 2002.
• Bell, Bernard W. "The Contemporary African American Novel: Its Meaning and Its Essence." In The African American Novel, 1990.
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• Smith, Valerie. "Self-Discovery and Authority in African American Literature." In African American Literary Theory, 2004.