Marrow of Tradition

The Marrow of Tradition, written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt in 1901, examines the racial tensions in the post-Reconstruction South, particularly through the lens of the 1898 Wilmington, North Carolina massacre. The novel delves into themes of racism, miscegenation, caste, gender, and white supremacy, highlighting the impact of Jim Crow laws and the brutal realities of mob lynchings. Chesnutt's work is notable for its unflinching portrayal of these issues, making it a significant contribution to American literature and discussions on race.