Essay Questions

What is the central theme in ‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers

The main theme in the book is slavery. Characters such as Micco and Aggie serve their entire lives as enslaved people. When Pinchard takes over Micco’s plantation, he purchases enslaved people to work on his farm. Besides using enslaved people as labourers, Pinchard uses young enslaved African women as sex pets. The humiliation and mistreatment of the blacks under the hands of the enslavers is predominant throughout the text.

How paradoxical is the character Pinchard?

Pinchard is a paradoxical character in all aspects. Firstly, Pinchard enters Micco’s life and takes his plantation by force. Secondly, Pinchard hates blacks, but he loves having sex with young black women. The reader finds it satirical that a white man is not interested in having sex with white women but prefers black women he considers ugly and inferior.

What is the significance of the character Ailey?

Ailey is a symbolic character who plays a significant role in reminding readers of the wounds of slavery that have not yet healed. Ailey lives in the contemporary world, but she is the descendant of Aggie. Aggie spent her entire life as an enslaved person in Georgia, working in Pinchard's plantation. Pinchard abused her sexually and impregnated her. The story of Ailey reveals the brutality of enslavers and how they sexually abused young black women.