Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-08-10 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars is the first novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. It was published in 1900 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The story occurs in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War. Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed white and black ancestry, leaves home to join her brother, who has migrated to a new city, where he lives as a white man. Following her brother's lead, Rena begins living as a white woman. The secret of her identity leads to conflict when she falls in love with a white aristocrat who learns the truth of her heredity. The ensuing drama emphasizes themes of interracial relations and depicted the intricacies of racial identity in the American south. Chesnutt's autobiography informed the novel's themes. Being of predominantly European ancestry, Chesnutt was light skinned enough to pass as a white man, although he openly identified with his African-American roots.Additionally, his portrayal of interracial romantic relations in The House Behind the Cedars was controversial. Although the novel was critically well received, its controversy contributed to poor financial performance. Plot summary--The novel opens "a few years after the Civil War" with John Warwick, from Clarence, South Carolina, leaving a hotel in Patesville, North Carolina. He walks around the town in which he used to live, and tries to visit Judge Archibald Straight, but he is not in his office. Warwick's attention is captured by a striking young woman, who he does not recognize as Rena, and follows her to the house behind the cedars. Warwick cautiously approaches the house, worried about being seen, and is invited in by Molly Walden. He says that he has a message for Walden from her son, but she then realizes that Warwick is her son who she has not seen in years. Warwick joyfully reunites with his mother and his sister Rena, and tells them what his life has been like since leaving home. He reveals that he has become a successful lawyer, and that he was married, but his wife died and left him with a baby boy. Warwick asks Rena if she would come live with him and help take care of his son Albert. Molly is reluctant to send off her only daughter and Rena does not want to leave her mother alone, but John ultimately convinces his mother that Rena will have a better life with him. The next morning, Warwick visits Judge Straight, his mentor for whom he used to work as an office-boy under the name John Walden. Straight warns him not to stay in town for too long or else people may start to question his presence. He then contemplates that it would have been better for John to move further away from home than South Carolina "even though the laws were with him." Rena says goodbye to her mother and Frank Fowler, one of their workmen who is a close friend of the family and is deeply in love with Rena..... Upon their arrival to Clarence, John and Rena attend a tournament where men dressed as knights participate in a jousting competition. The Warwicks are seated among the most prominent white guests when Rena drops her handkerchief into the ring and one of the knights catches it and uses it as a token of good luck. The knight, George Tryon, wins the tournament and names Rena his "queen of love and beauty." As the winner, Tyron invites Rena to accompany him to the annual tournament ball..... Charles Waddell Chesnutt (June 20, 1858 - November 15, 1932) was an African-American author, essayist, political activist and lawyer, best known for his novels and short stories exploring complex issues of racial and social identity in the post-Civil War South. Many families of free people of color were formed in the colonial and early Federal period; some attained education and property; in addition there were many mixed-race slaves, who as freedmen after the war were part of the complex society of the South.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars Novel by Charles W Chesnutt Classics written by Charles W. Chesnutt and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-03-01 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars is the first novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. It was published in 1900 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The story occurs in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War. Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed white and black ancestry, leaves home to join her brother, who has migrated to a new city, where he lives as a white man. Following her brother's lead, Rena begins living as a white woman. The secret of her identity leads to conflict when she falls in love with a white aristocrat who learns the truth of her heredity. The ensuing drama emphasizes themes of interracial relations and depicted the intricacies of racial identity in the American south.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles W. Chestnutt and published by Graphic Arts Books. This book was released on 2020-11-17 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars (1900) is African-American writer Charles Chesnutt’s debut novel. Inspired by his own experience as a Black man capable of passing for white—which Chesnutt consciously chose not to do—as well as by Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, The House Behind the Cedars explores themes of identity, race, and class in the post-Civil War South. Controversial for its portrayal of interracial romance, Chesnutt’s novel was critically acclaimed in its day, but failed financially. It was adapted into a 1927 silent film by pioneering Black director Oscar Micheaux. After years of living in the city, John Warwick visits his hometown to see his mother and sister. Hearing of his success as a lawyer and father, Rena, his sister, is intrigued with city life and decides to join him when he returns. With a black mother and white father, the two are able to pass for white, which allows them—Rena soon discovers—a certain amount of social mobility in the South. It being only a few years after the Civil War, there is of course some risk to this, but the opportunity is too enticing to pass up. Rena soon meets George, a wealthy white man and business partner of her brother, and the two fall in love. When she is called home to care for her sick mother, and as George begins to grow suspicious, it becomes more and more difficult to keep her secret—and her family—safe. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Charles Chesnutt’s The House Behind the Cedars is a classic of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Download or read book THE HOUSE BEHIND THE CEDARS BY CHARLES W CHESNUTT written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 1968 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles W. Chesnutt and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2022-09-20 with total page 269 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reproduction of the original.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles W Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 2020-10-05 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars is the first published novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. It was published in 1900 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The story occurs in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War. Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed white and black ancestry, leaves home to join her brother, who has migrated to a new city, where he lives as a white man. Following her brother's lead, Rena begins living as a white woman. The secret of her identity leads to conflict when she falls in love with a white aristocrat who learns the truth of her heredity. The ensuing drama emphasizes themes of interracial relations and depicted the intricacies of racial identity in the American south.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 2019-10 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: vThe House Behind the Cedars is the first published novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. It was published in 1900 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The story occurs in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 2019-09-17 with total page 410 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars is the first published novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. It was published in 1900 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The story occurs in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars 1900 written by Charles W. Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 2019-10-13 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars is the first published novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. It was published in 1900 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company. The story occurs in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War. Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed white and black ancestry, leaves home to join her brother, who has migrated to a new city, where he lives as a white man. Following her brother's lead, Rena begins living as a white woman. The secret of her identity leads to conflict when she falls in love with a white aristocrat who learns the truth of her heredity. The ensuing drama emphasizes themes of interracial relations and depicted the intricacies of racial identity in the American south.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars Classic Reprint written by Charles W. Chesnutt and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2017-10-11 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from The House Behind the Cedars Some such trite reflection - as apposite to the subject as most random reflections are passed through the mind of a young man who came out. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles W. Chesnutt and published by Prabhat Prakashan. This book was released on 2021-01-01 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind The Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt: This novel by Charles W. Chesnutt explores themes of racial identity, passing, and social barriers in post-Civil War America. The story revolves around the lives of siblings Rena and John Walden as they navigate issues of race and identity. Key Aspects of the Novel "The House Behind The Cedars": Racial Identity: The novel delves into the complexities of racial identity and passing, as the characters grapple with their heritage and societal expectations. Social and Cultural Context: Charles W. Chesnutt provides a rich portrayal of the post-Civil War South, addressing issues of race, class, and family dynamics. Character Development: "The House Behind The Cedars" offers a deep exploration of the characters' growth and the challenges they face in a racially divided society. Charles W. Chesnutt (1858-1932) was an African American author and essayist known for his contributions to American literature. His exploration of racial themes and social issues in his works, including this novel, made a significant impact during his time.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt and published by IndyPublish.com. This book was released on 2009-02-01 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book House Behind the Cedars written by Charles W. Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 2015-11-19 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 2015 Reprint of the 1901 edition. "The House Behind the Cedars" is the first novel by American author Charles W. Chesnutt. The story unfolds in the southern American states of North and South Carolina a few years following the American Civil War. Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed white and black ancestry, leaves home to join her brother, who has migrated to a new city, where he lives as a white man. Following her brother's lead, Rena begins living as a white woman. The secret of her identity leads to conflict when she falls in love with a white aristocrat who learns the truth of her heredity. The ensuing drama emphasizes themes of interracial relations and depicted the intricacies of racial identity in the American south. Chesnutt's autobiography informed the novel's themes. Being of predominantly European ancestry, Chesnutt was light skinned enough to pass as a white man, although he openly identified with his African-American roots. Needless to say, his portrayal of interracial romantic relations was controversial. Although the novel was critically well received, its controversy contributed to poor financial performance. Remains to this day an important exploration of racism in American fiction.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars 1900 Novel by Charles W Chesnutt written by Charles Waddell Chesnutt and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-04-02 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An early masterwork among American literary treatments of miscegenation, Chesnutt's story is of two young African Americans who decide to pass for white in order to claim their share of the American dream. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Charles Waddell Chesnutt (1858-1932)-African-American educator, lawyer, and activist-was the most prominent black prose author of his day. In both his fiction and his essays, he addressed the thorny issues of the "color line" and racism in an outspoken way. Despite the critical acclaim resulting from several works of fiction and non-fiction published between 1898 and 1905, he was unable to make a living as an author. He kept writing, however, and several works which were not published during his lifetime have been rediscovered (and published) in recent years. He was awarded the Springarn Medal for distinguished literary achievement by the NAACP in 1928. The library at Fayetteville State University, in North Carolina, is named after him. The Wife of His Youth (1899) was Chesnutt's second collection of short stories, drawing upon his mixed race heritage. These deal largely with race relations, the far-reaching effects of Jim Crow laws, and color prejudice among African Americans toward darker-skinned blacks. Eric J. Sundquist wrote: "Chesnutt's color-line stories, like his conjure tales, are at their best haunting, psychologically and philosophically astute studies of the nation's betrayal of the promise of racial equality and its descent into a brutal world of segregation. He made the family a means of delineating America's racial crisis, during slavery and afterward." I have added three of Chesnutt's essays on the "color line" in an Appendix to this collection.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles Chesnutt and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2015-07-04 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The House Behind the Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt. The novel opens "a few years after the Civil War" with John Warwick, from Clarence, South Carolina, leaving a hotel in Patesville, North Carolina. He walks around the town in which he used to live, and tries to visit Judge Archibald Straight, but he is not in his office. Warwick's attention is captured by a striking young woman, who he does not recognize as Rena, and follows her to the house behind the cedars. Warwick cautiously approaches the house, worried about being seen, and is invited in by Molly Walden. He says that he has a message for Walden from her son, but she then realizes that Warwick is her son who she has not seen in years. Warwick joyfully reunites with his mother and his sister Rena, and tells them what his life has been like since leaving home. He reveals that he has become a successful lawyer, and that he was married, but his wife died and left him with a baby boy. Warwick asks Rena if she would come live with him and help take care of his son Albert. Molly is reluctant to send off her only daughter and Rena does not want to leave her mother alone, but John ultimately convinces his mother that Rena will have a better life with him. The next morning, Warwick visits Judge Straight, his mentor for whom he used to work as an office-boy under the name John Walden. Straight warns him not to stay in town for too long or else people may start to question his presence. He then contemplates that it would have been better for John to move further away from home than South Carolina "even though the laws were with him." Rena says goodbye to her mother and Frank Fowler, one of their workmen who is a close friend of the family and is deeply in love with Rena. She and her brother make the journey back to South Carolina, and John explains that Rena will take his last name.

Download or read book The House Behind the Cedars written by Charles Chesnutt and published by . This book was released on 2017-03-31 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Charles W. Chesnutt was a prominent African-American writer, lawyer, and political activist. Chesnutt was a prolific author and his books were notable for exploring the racial and social issues in the American South after the Civil War.The House Behind the Cedars, published in 1900, is Chesnutt's first novel. The book is set in the South a few years before the Civil War and centers around a family of mixed white and black ancestry. The book is famous for its exploration of interracial relations.