Although Sing, Unburied, Sing is not just a bildungsroman, Jojo's coming of age is an important aspect of the novel. First of all, Jesmyn Ward chooses Jojo as one of her narrators, and she begins her novel with the line, "I like to think I know what death is" from Jojo's perspective. This quote reveals very early on in the novel that Jojo wishes to become an adult. One aspect of adulthood is the understanding of death, which Jojo thinks he already has achieved. Furthermore, Jojo is coming of age sexually as well, which Ward reveals when Jojo is riding in the car and stares at Misty's bra strap. Jojo also takes on a quasi-parental role when he takes care of his little sister Kayla in Leonie's absence.
Jojo wants nothing more than to be seen as an adult by those around him, yet he is still a child. He tries to "be a man" and help Pop clean the goat for eating, but Pop realizes he's not ready yet and gently sends him back to the house. Jojo doesn't truly understand the meaning of death yet, although his visions of Richie and the death of Mam cause him to mature significantly. Although he tries to be Kayla's substitute parent, he's still just a child searching for comfort and love.
4 comments:
I totally agree with your analysis of Jojo's character and his journey through adolescence! I believe that we all, regardless of age, crave deep connections with other human beings. Life can feel empty without these intimate relationships. However, adolescents in particular need people to confide in. I bet we can all think of a time when a close friend or family member helped us overcome some struggle. An inevitable aspect of the human condition is suffering. But our suffering can be alleviated, and our pain can be eased with help from empathetic confidants.
I was especially impressed with Jojo's mature approach to caring for Kayla. Because of her cancer, Mam is bedridden :'( and sadly incapable of raising Kayla. Pop takes on a significant amount of responsibility, as he must also take care of Mam. Jojo fills the void in Kayla's life. Not only does he assist her with basic needs, but he gives her love--and not just any love. He puts his own problems and worries aside and protects Kayla at any cost. He reads to her and kisses her. He bathes her before he bathes himself, feeds her before he feeds himself. There is a remarkable selflessness in his actions. And he's only THIRTEEN. He may have a lot of growing up to do, but he exhibits wisdom and compassion beyond his years. He finds the power within himself to dedicate his entire being to Kayla. Unlike Leonie, he is a hero. While she has allowed her circumstances to destroy her and to define her, he has allowed his struggles to shape him into an awe-inspiring individual.
I totally agree with your analysis of Jojo's character and his journey through adolescence! I believe that we all, regardless of age, crave deep connections with other human beings. Life can feel empty without these intimate relationships. However, adolescents in particular need people to confide in. I bet we can all think of a time when a close friend or family member helped us overcome some struggle. An inevitable aspect of the human condition is suffering. But our suffering can be alleviated, and our pain can be eased with help from empathetic confidants.
I was especially impressed with Jojo's mature approach to caring for Kayla. Because of her cancer, Mam is bedridden :'( and sadly incapable of raising Kayla. Pop takes on a significant amount of responsibility, as he must also take care of Mam. Jojo fills the void in Kayla's life. Not only does he assist her with basic needs, but he gives her love--and not just any love. He puts his own problems and worries aside and protects Kayla at any cost. He reads to her and kisses her. He bathes her before he bathes himself, feeds her before he feeds himself. There is a remarkable selflessness in his actions. And he's only THIRTEEN. He may have a lot of growing up to do, but he exhibits wisdom and compassion beyond his years. He finds the power within himself to dedicate his entire being to Kayla. Unlike Leonie, he is a hero. While she has allowed her circumstances to destroy her and to define her, he has allowed his struggles to shape him into an awe-inspiring individual.
Sorry! My name didn't show up on the first post, so I had to re-post it. The above blog comment is Jessie's.
Although not specifically, because I think Jojo is a better character with better morals, but Jojo reminded me of Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye. Both characters so desperately want to be mature and take on responsibilities (eventually only showing just how innocent they are), while also discovering aspects of sexuality and experiencing an importance of family (both with a focus on their little sisters). In contrast, Jojo does struggle with more aspects concerning race and supernatural elements in relation to death. Holden is cynical while Jojo is a bit more hopeful however, I think the intelligence and strength both displays throughout their novels give an overall pretty evident relation in the two separate settings.
Post a Comment