# Art and Expression as Liberation in Cane

> Theme guide for Cane by Jean Toomer.

Toomer presents poetry, song, and storytelling as means to transcend oppression and articulate the Black experience, with the foreword emphasizing the poet's role in turning 'the essences and materials of his Southland' into enduring art.

## Where it surfaces

- [Avey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/chapters/part-ii-avey): The narrator articulates a vision of art as a means of opening up larger life for women like Avey, and recites his own poetry and songs in an attempt to connect with her.
- [Theater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/chapters/part-ii-theater): Dorris's dance embodies a raw, self-generated joy that contrasts with the director's taming for Broadway, highlighting the liberating power of authentic Black performance.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/themes/art_and_expression
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/themes