Paper
1 Chester Himesessay
Promptas A Protest Novelif He Hollers L
Write an essay that thoughtfully explores how ONE of the novel’s characters might support and develop and/or criticize and reject the ideas of TWO of the supplementary historical readings (Washington, Du Bois, MLK, Carmichael). Show how the character, through either his or her words or actions, expresses similar ideas and perhaps gives us a deeper understanding and defense of the position of the supplementary reading.
And/or show how the character, through either his or her words or actions, opposes the ideas of the supplementary reading and perhaps even reveals its inadequacies or errors. It is better to be complex and in-depth on a few points than to superficially rush through many points. You should therefore limit yourself to just one character in your discussion. Also do not discuss more than two of the supplementary readings. Outside research is not required.
The paper must at least reach the middle of page 5, not including the Works Cited. The paper must have a title, introduction, thesis, a series of body paragraphs, conclusion, and Works Cited. MLA guidelines must be followed for all in-text citations and the Works Cited page. Each major point should be developed in a unified paragraph that incorporates plenty of textual evidence, either through paraphrase or quotation. Be sure to stick closely to the language of the novel and the supplementary readings in your interpretation: keep returning to and quoting the exact language that Himes and the other authors use, but be sure also to analyze and explain everything you quote. The ideas of the character and the supplementary readings need to be explained clearly, accurately, and thoroughly. The comparison should be accurate, in-depth, and insightful about their similarities and/or differences. Your essay needs to demonstrate control over style, with smooth and appealing writing.
Paper For Above instruction
The protest novel
He Hollers Let Him Go
by Chester Himes offers profound insights into race and racism in American society through its vivid characters and compelling narrative. This essay delves into how the character of Bob Jones, a Black man navigating the systemic oppression of mid-20th-century America, supports and critiques ideas from two significant historical figures—W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr.—highlighting both alignment
and opposition in their philosophies.
Bob Jones embodies a complex intersection of resistance and pragmatism. His perspectives and actions mirror Du Bois’s advocacy for racial uplift through persistent activism and intellectual engagement, while also reflecting the frustrations and limitations associated with his experiences, which sometimes clash with King’s philosophy of nonviolent protest and spiritual hope. Through analysis of Jones’s words and deeds, we observe a character who, intentionally or inadvertently, amplifies the enduring struggle for racial justice and exposes the inadequacies of simplistic solutions.
Supporting Du Bois’s Ideas
Du Bois emphasized the importance of a talented tenth—a leadership class of educated Black elites who could uplift the race by challenging racial stereotypes and advocating for civil rights (Du Bois, 1903). Bob Jones’s determined pursuit of self-education, his rejection of submissive submission, and his desire to challenge oppressive societal structures resemble Du Bois’s call for racial pride and intellectual empowerment. For example, Jones’s refusal to accept segregationist directives exemplifies Du Bois’s belief in confronting racial injustice directly.
In a pivotal scene, Jones confronts a racist police officer who attempts to intimidate him into silence. His defiance is vigorous: "I ain’t gonna let no white cop tell me I can’t walk down my street without fear." This quotation underscores Jones’s assertion of agency and his challenge to racial marginalization, resonating with Du Bois’s vision of Black leadership raising consciousness and asserting dignity in the face of systemic discrimination (Himes, 1953). Jones’s actions demonstrate his support for Du Bois’s philosophy that active resistance and education are vital to Black empowerment.
Criticizing King’s Nonviolence
While King’s emphasis on nonviolent resistance was pivotal in catalyzing social change, Jones’s experiences suggest that a strict adherence to nonviolence might sometimes be inadequate or even counterproductive. In confrontations with violent white supremacists, Jones often faces a dilemma—whether to respond with force or follow the moral high ground. On one occasion, Jones reflects bitterly about the limitations of nonviolence when faced with brutal violence: "Sometimes, I wonder if turning the other cheek really makes the pain go away or just makes it worse." This internal conflict indicates Jones’s skepticism about the efficacy of King’s pacifist strategies in a deeply violent society (Himes, 1953).
Jones’s actions, including defending himself physically, reveal an acknowledgment that quiet resistance might not suffice under extreme oppression. His readiness to defend his dignity through force contradicts King’s doctrine of love and nonviolence, exposing potential shortcomings in such a philosophy when confronting the raw brutality of racial violence. This critique offers a nuanced understanding that, while nonviolent protest is morally compelling, marginalized individuals sometimes resort to self-defense as a form of resistance.
Implications and Deeper Understanding
Through Bob Jones’s character, Himes portrays a more complex picture of resistance—one that synthesizes ideological support with pragmatic critique. Jones’s support for Du Bois's emphasis on race pride and active resistance aligns with his fighting spirit, while his skepticism of King’s nonviolence reveals the harsh realities faced by oppressed individuals. This layered characterization underscores the importance of flexibility and context in strategies for social change and challenges the notion of a monolithic approach to racial justice.
Furthermore, Jones’s personal journey highlights the importance of recognizing the limitations of ideological purity, emphasizing instead a pragmatic approach that combines moral conviction with strategic action. In doing so, Himes invites readers to consider that effective activism requires an acknowledgment of diverse tactics suited to specific circumstances, rather than a rigid adherence to a single dogma.
Conclusion
In summary, Bob Jones exemplifies a character who both elevates and questions the ideas of Du Bois and King. His actions support Du Bois’s call for racial uplift through active resistance and intellectual empowerment, while also offering a critique of the limitations inherent in King’s nonviolent philosophy when faced with extreme violence. Through this nuanced portrayal, Himes sheds light on the complex realities of fighting racial injustice, advocating for a multifaceted approach that combines moral courage, strategic resistance, and pragmatic flexibility.
Works Cited
Du Bois, W. E. B. "The Talented Tenth." The Atlantic Monthly, 1903. Himes, Chester.
He Hollers Let Him Go
. Four Walls Eight Windows, 1953.
King, Martin Luther Jr. "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches." HarperOne, 1986.
Carmichael, Stokely. "Black Power: The Politics of Liberation." Random House, 1967.
Washington, Booker T. "Up from Slavery." Doubleday, 1901.
Clayborne Carson, et al. (eds.) "The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr." Warner Books, 1998.
Charles Payne, "I've Got the Light of Freedom: The Organizing Tradition and the Mississippi Freedom Struggle." University of California Press, 1995.
Barbara Ransby, "Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision." University of Illinois Press, 2003.
James Cone, "The Cross and the Lynching Tree." Orbis Books, 2011.
Cornel West, "Race Matters." Beacon Press, 1993.
