Plum Bun · Theme
Race and Racism
How Plum Bun develops Race and Racism.
The pervasive impact of racism in early 20th-century America is shown through segregation, discrimination in education and employment, social exclusion, and the internalized pain and anger it causes characters like Angela and Virginia.
Where it surfaces
- III
Mattie's experiences with Madame Sylvio's racist assumptions and the broader societal discrimination against African Americans are central to the chapter.
- IV
The chapter depicts the systemic racism Angela faces at school, where childhood friends distance themselves and even a close friend rejects her upon discovering her racial background.
- V
The chapter highlights systemic racism in Philadelphia's school system and the characters' differing views on how to cope with racial restrictions.
- IV
Roger's virulent racist outburst and the restaurant's discrimination against the Black couple starkly illustrate the pervasive racism of the era.
- VII
Virginia's bitter comments about white men's intentions toward Black women and her reflection on slavery underscore the pervasive racism that shapes their lives.
- III
Angela is conscious of living in an atmosphere of falseness due to her hidden racial identity, and her hatred of Philadelphia stems from its systemic racism and limited opportunities for Black people.
- Chapter VI
The chapter explores systemic racism through Maude's story of Texas property threats and Ashley's critique of American prejudice.
- I
The committee's revocation of Miss Powell's scholarship and the reporters' harassment highlight systemic racism. Angela's confession and Anthony's revelation underscore the personal costs of racial prejudice.