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Abstract
This paper attempts to enter into and continue the on-going discussion of Charles Waddell Chesnutt and of his work. It examines Chesnutt's background, goals, literary successes and failure, particularly concerning his novel, The Marrow of Tradition. Included is a discussion of Chesnutt's new characterization, the contradictory and violent reactions to The Marrow of Tradition, its possible reasons for lack of sales, and an acknowledgment of the noble goals and success of Charles Waddell Chesnutt.
Much is written about Chesnutt's success as a short story writer. Less, it seems to me, is being said about his novel, The Marrow of Tradition . Perhaps because it is considered a failure for lack of sales. This paper, however, attempts to favorably reexamine The Marrow of Tradition , in light of Chesnutt's goal and his representation of new and realistic Black characters, unusual for his time. This novel deserves further examination and recognition, as does the author. Mr. Chesnutt deserves to be esteemed for his noble goals, astounding as they were for a man of his ethnicity in his time, for his determination and talent as a writer, and for his contribution to literature and toward social equality.
