Essay Questions

What is the primary theme in the novel 'The Vanishing Half?'

The primary theme in the novel 'The Vanishing Half' is racism. Desiree and Stella are twin sisters and daughters to Leon. While growing up, they witness rampant discrimination against their family and other black people in the neighborhood. White men kill Leon, and no justice is served for his death. When Stella gets married to a white man, she pretends that she is white to avoid being discriminated against.

Why are Stella and her twin sister, Desiree, traumatized?

Stella and Desiree witness the lynching of their father. Five white men descend to Leon's home and beat him mercilessly in front of her daughters. The girls are helpless as they see their father bleeding to death. The crime scene left the girls traumatized for the rest of their lives. Consequently, the girls have had a fair share of the negative impacts of racism.

How paradoxical is the character Early Jones?

When Desiree runs away from her husband, Sam, he sends Early Jones to trace her and bring her back. Paradoxically, Jones recognizes Desiree as a teenager and decides to help her run for her freedom instead of taking her back to captivity. Therefore, Early Jones betrays Sam by helping Desiree escape instead of bringing her back to him.