This paper is a critical analysis of Joe Turner’s "Come And Gone".
A vision-haunted father and his 11-year-old daughter stop at a boarding house in Pittsburgh on their quest for the mother who had wandered off after her husband had been confined by the mysterious Joe Turner for seven years. The theme of the play is the transformative experience, cleansing, and rebirth of the character of Loomis, a man on a quest, and thus, the emergence of the “shiny man.” This revelation ends the quest of another character, the conjure man Bynum, who has been looking for his messiah, this very “shiny man.”
In a boarding house, where everyone comes and goes (“They the only ones live here now. People come and go.” [Bertha to Loomis], a family is reunited by two forces (an African magician, and a realistic “scout” or “people finder,” both roomers at the place), only to split up again – for the man emerges reborn, becomes independent, and leaves mother and daughter.
Table of Contents
- Title of Text and Author
- Cast of Key Characters
- Setting
- Plotline
- Theme
- Character Analysis: Bynum
Objectives and Key Themes
The play examines the transformative journey of Herald Loomis, a man searching for his lost wife. It explores themes of memory, desire, and the search for identity within the context of the Great Migration and the lingering impact of slavery. It also showcases the complexities of African American culture and the preservation of traditional beliefs in a changing world.
- The transformative journey of Herald Loomis
- Memory and desire as driving forces for characters
- The influence of the past on present experiences
- The search for belonging and identity within African American communities
- The preservation of African tradition in early 20th-century America
Chapter Summaries
- Title of Text and Author: Introduces the play and its author, August Wilson.
- Cast of Key Characters: Provides a list of the main characters in the play, setting the stage for the story.
- Setting: Establishes the time and location of the play, providing context for the characters and their experiences.
- Plotline: Offers a brief overview of the central conflict and narrative arc, introducing the main characters and their motivations.
- Theme: Explores the play's central theme of transformation and rebirth, focusing on Loomis's quest and the emergence of the "shiny man."
- Character Analysis: Bynum: Delves into the character of Bynum, highlighting his role as a traditionalist and a spiritual guide, and his impact on the other characters.
Keywords
Key keywords and concepts include the Great Migration, African American culture, memory, desire, identity, transformation, rebirth, tradition, mysticism, and the "shiny man."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of Joe Turner’s "Come and Gone"?
The central theme is the transformative journey of Herald Loomis, focusing on his search for identity, cleansing, and rebirth, leading to the emergence of the "shiny man."
Who are the key characters analyzed in this critical analysis?
The analysis focuses on Herald Loomis, his daughter, the mother who wandered off, and the conjure man Bynum, who acts as a spiritual guide.
What is the significance of the "shiny man" in the play?
The "shiny man" represents a messianic figure that Bynum is searching for, and it symbolizes the spiritual revelation and independence achieved by Loomis.
How does the setting of the boarding house influence the plot?
The boarding house in Pittsburgh serves as a transitory space where people "come and go," reflecting the themes of the Great Migration and the search for belonging.
What role does African tradition play in the story?
The play explores the preservation of African traditions and mysticism in early 20th-century America, particularly through characters like Bynum, the African magician.
How are memory and desire portrayed in the text?
Memory and desire are driving forces for the characters, representing the influence of the past (including the impact of slavery) on their present search for identity.
- Quote paper
- Christina Voss (married Lyons) (Author), 2006, Critical Analysis of Joe Turner’s "Come And Gone", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1133007
