Life and Fictions of Charles W Chesnutt Explored in New Biography
The biography "A Matter of Complexion" by Tess Chakkalakal examines the life and works of Charles W. Chesnutt, highlighting his literary impact and the racial challenges he faced in post-Reconstruction America.
On Nov. 10, 1898, Wilmington, N.C., was ravaged by armed white supremacists who attacked Black businesses and residents, leading to the collapse of the biracial government. The city, known for its Black political strength and economic promise after Reconstruction, witnessed violence that resulted in numerous deaths and forced many to flee their homes.
This chaos was orchestrated by former congressman Alfred Moore Waddell, who led the mob to city hall, pushing for the resignation of the Republican government. Despite the brutality, white newspapers blamed the violence on Wilmington's Black population, and Waddell promoted a narrative of "virtuous white redemption," claiming the coup was a lawful transfer of power.
In 1901, Charles W. Chesnutt published his second novel, "The Marrow of Tradition," challenging Waddell's False narrative by examining themes of family, white resentment, and Black ambition against the backdrop of racial hostility. This work would later be praised as a significant political-historical novel, though it initially struggled for recognition.
The new biography, "A Matter of Complexion" by Tess Chakkalakal, provides an in-depth look at Chesnutt's contributions and the challenges he faced during a time when literature often overlooked the realities of racial violence. Chakkalakal's work emphasizes the importance of Chesnutt's artistry in today's context, where discussions around diversity and equity are increasingly contentious.
This biography also highlights Chesnutt's relationships with contemporary white literary figures, who often regarded him with both interest and condescension. It delves into how his own racial background informed his writings, such as "The Wife of His Youth" and "The House Behind the Cedars," which grappled with the implications of America's racial classification system.
Chakkalakal argues that the complexity of Chesnutt's experiences made him a pivotal figure in American literature, reinforcing the significant impact of artists during turbulent times. This biography serves as a reminder of how literature can be a powerful medium for understanding and navigating societal issues.
A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt by Tess Chakkalakal | St. Martin's | 369 pp. | $32
