Have you ever been in a situation where you read multiple books at the same time? Usually, I like to start a book and finish it. Years ago, I made sure I finished reading every book I started; it was my reading tradition. Interestingly, ever since I got into the university, my lecturers have been making us read books that are not too interesting- boring books to be precise. You know, books that you have to read a paragraph more than 3 times before you grasp what the author is trying to say. Now, my library is filled with many unfinished books and God knows when I will finally have the zeal to complete them.
Recently, I started reading Richard Wright’s Native Son- a bulky book. Last week, feeling bored in my room, I checked my small library, saw the book, and started reading it. About halfway through, I got tired and wanted to read something different. Something short to help me unwind. So I asked my friend for the shortest book on our syllabus, and he sent me a 10 page book. I thought he was joking until I opened it. It is really intriguing how writers can communicate with their audience and cut across many themes using just a few pages. The title of the book is Dutchman by LeRoi Jones whose pen name is Amiri Baraka. This book has just ten pages, yet, it is a masterpiece. In this post, I’ll review Dutchman by Amiri Baraka.
Dutchman was written by Amiri Baraka, previously known as Lenroi Jones. Amiri Baraka, born Everett LeRoi, changed his name in the 1960s following the assassination of Malcom X.( If you don’t know about Malcom X, you should check it out. Interesting story!) Malcolm X was a leading figure in fighting for Black freedom. After his assassination, Jones filled his shoes and became increasingly involved in “the fight.” He changed his name from LeRoi Jones to Imamu Amiri Baraka. He saw his English name as that of a slave, so he decided to change it to an African name, embracing his African heritage. Amiri Baraka is also a poet and a dramatist.
Dutchman was written by Amiri Baraka and published in 1964. The Dutchman is a gripping 10-page play that packs a powerful punch.
The book is set on a subway train in New York City. The play opens with Clay, a 20 year old black man, sitting in the subway car. He steals a peek outside the window and sees Lula, a 30 year old white woman. Soon enough, Lula comes into the subway car, sits beside Clay, and accuses him of staring at her. Lula starts to seduce Clay, she starts by offering him an apple and goes on to tell him to take her to his apartment and do whatever he pleases. Suddenly, Lula drops her act and starts being rude, throwing racial comments. She calls Clay an ape and that all his grandfather did was start revolutions.
After racially abusing Clay, she continues to provoke him sexually. Without knowing anything about Clay, she guesses correctly his destination, friends, and work, exemplifying what we call racial profiling. Apparently, Clay is on his way to a party. She suggests that he takes her to the party and in return, she’d sleep with him. Clay remains quiet, not reacting to her behavior, but Lula continues to go more aggressive, wanting him to react. Lula shifts from a seemingly sweet and nice (although aggressive) person to an extremely mean racist. She starts to abuse him, calling him a black ape and belittling his skin color. This prompts Clay to go on a soliloquy about the experiences of Black people in America. He says that no matter what you achieve or where you are from, people will judge you based on your skin.
Lula continues to anger him, throwing her belongings at him. This prompts Clay to slap her two times. When he tries to leave the bus, Lula stabs him in the heart twice. The author reveals that although the other passengers witnessed the murder, they did nothing to stop it; all they did was stare and some even helped Lula dump Clay’s body out of the train.
Notes
This book takes us on a profound exploration of racism, using just two characters; Lula and Clay. Now, here’s an interesting thing I found. When Lula got on the bus, she offered Clay an apple which she uses to seduce him. The apple is a symbol of seduction and can be traced to the story of Eve- a biblical allusion. The apple represents temptation which Lula uses to lure Clay into her web of deceit and manipulation. Also, the fact that the other passengers witnessed the murder and didn’t do a thing about it, shows how rotten the system is in the book.
Thanks for reading.
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You're a true inspiration @justfavour! Your daily posts on Hive are making a big impact. Keep up the great work!
Yes. I've been there so màny times. The fact that this book could in only ten pages summarize a gripping plot as this one says a lot. I like it already