Percival Everett centers a new voice in 'James,' a retelling of 'Huckleberry Finn'
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day podcast, author Percival Everett discusses his unique creative process for writing "James," a retelling of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" from the perspective of Jim. Everett shares his unconventional approach to engaging with Twain's classic, striving to produce an original work rather than simply replicating the original scenes.
The episode also delves into Everett's exploration of language and communication strategies used by enslaved people as a means of survival. Everett expresses his critique of works that fail to depict the linguistic nuances and complexities employed by oppressed communities. Additionally, the podcast examines the enduring legacy and controversies surrounding "Huckleberry Finn," as Everett weighs in on debates regarding censorship and the impact of literary works on societal norms.
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1-Page Summary
Everett's literary approach and creative process in writing "James"
In "James," Percival Everett took an unconventional approach to engage with Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." He intentionally read Twain's work repeatedly until it became "nonsense" to him, allowing him to internalize the material and produce something original rather than merely imitating Twain's scenes. Everett sees "James" as part of an ongoing discourse with Twain's classic, adding a new perspective by telling the story from Jim's viewpoint, which he believes Twain was "unequipped" to do.
The portrayal of language and communication in "James" and its significance
In "James," Everett explores how the enslaved used complex communication strategies as a "survival skill" to navigate oppression. A pivotal scene shows Jim teaching his children to communicate in ways that "appease their white oppressors" by appearing less knowledgeable, demonstrating Everett's belief that oppressed people develop nuanced linguistic practices to maintain autonomy.
Everett critiqued works like "12 Years a Slave" for failing to depict this complexity, showing enslaved people immediately understanding each other's language. He posits they would have crafted linguistic versions "unintelligible to their oppressors" while conversing freely amongst themselves.
The legacy and controversies surrounding the original "Huckleberry Finn" novel
Everett understands debates around censoring racial slurs in "Huckleberry Finn" but firmly opposes substituting the N-word, arguing it's the intention behind language that matters most, not just the word itself. He believes attempts to ban or alter the book reflect a lack of understanding of Twain's context and purpose.
While acknowledging the novel's significant impact, Everett questions whether any literary work can drastically sway broader societal attitudes and norms, informing his skepticism about censorship debates based on a book's content.
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Counterarguments
- Everett's method of internalizing Twain's work until it became "nonsense" might risk losing the original context and nuances that are essential for a meaningful dialogue with the classic.
- Some might argue that Twain was not "unequipped" to tell Jim's story but rather chose to focus on Huck's perspective to critique society from a different angle.
- The idea that enslaved people developed communication strategies that were "unintelligible to their oppressors" could be seen as an oversimplification of the complex dynamics of language and power during slavery.
- There is a debate about whether altering offensive language in classic literature is a form of censorship or a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society.
- Some literary scholars might contend that literature can indeed sway societal attitudes and that books like "Huckleberry Finn" have played a role in shaping cultural discussions about race and morality.
- The argument against altering "Huckleberry Finn" may not fully consider the impact of racial slurs on readers, particularly in educational settings where the book is often assigned.
- While Everett critiques works like "12 Years a Slave" for their portrayal of communication among enslaved people, others might find that these works offer valuable, albeit different, insights into the experiences of slavery.
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of historical narratives by rewriting a chapter of a classic novel from the perspective of a marginalized character. Choose a character who is not the focus of the original story and reimagine events through their eyes, considering their social position and personal experiences. This exercise will help you explore untold stories and understand the complexities of different perspectives.
- Enhance your awareness of language's power by journaling about your daily interactions, noting instances where language is used to include or exclude, to empower or oppress. Reflect on how you and others use language in subtle ways to navigate social dynamics. This practice can make you more mindful of your communication and its impact on others.
- Develop a personal policy on engaging with controversial literature by researching the historical context of a contentious book and then deciding how you will approach it. Will you read it as is, seek out annotated versions, or avoid it altogether? Document your decision-making process and the values that guide it, which can serve as a reference for future encounters with challenging texts.
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Everett's literary approach and creative process in writing "James"
Percival Everett's approach to writing "James" reflects his unique style of integrating humor, irony, and philosophical elements, creating a dialogue with Mark Twain's classic work.
Everett's unique and unconventional writing style, blending humor, irony, and philosophical elements
Everett engaged deeply with the source material, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," reading it around 15 times until he grew sick of it. This process allowed the original text to become "nonsense" to him. Everett did this so that he could internalize the material and make it his own, ensuring that he wouldn't merely regurgitate Twain's remarkable scenes but instead produce something original and entertaining.
Everett's perspective on "James" as a work in discourse with Twain's original "Huckleberry Finn" rather than a direct response or indictment
While "James" can be seen as a discourse with Twain's work, Everett does not view his novel as a direct response or an indictment of "Huckleberry Finn." He flatters himself ...
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Everett's literary approach and creative process in writing "James"
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Counterarguments
- While Everett's style is described as unique and unconventional, some critics might argue that all writers are influenced by others and that true originality is hard to achieve.
- Reading "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" 15 times could be seen as excessive and potentially limiting to a writer's creative freedom, as it risks anchoring them too closely to the source material.
- The claim that Everett's approach ensures originality and entertainment could be subjective, as different readers have varying opinions on what constitutes originality and what they find entertaining.
- Describing "James" as a work in discourse with "Huckleberry Finn" might be challenged by those who see it more as a reinterpretation or modern adaptation rather than a conversation with the original.
- The assertion that Everett's novel is not a direct response or indictment could be contested by readers who interpret "James" as implicitly critiquing or responding to the racial themes and portrayals in "Huckleberry Finn."
- The idea that Twain was "unequipped" to tell the story from Jim's perspective could be debated, considering the historical context and Twain's own expe ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of a classic by rewriting a scene from a different character's perspective. Choose a well-known story and write a short narrative from the point of view of a character who is not the protagonist. This exercise will help you explore untold aspects of the story and develop empathy for different characters, much like Everett did with Jim's perspective in "James."
- Experiment with integrating contrasting elements in your creative projects. If you enjoy writing, painting, or any form of art, try incorporating humor into a serious piece or adding a philosophical question to a light-hearted work. This juxtaposition can create a unique experience for your audience and set your work apart, reflecting Everett's style of blending humor and philosophy.
- Engage in ...
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The portrayal of language and communication in "James" and its significance
Everett’s depiction of language and communication strategies among the enslaved in "James" provides nuanced insights into the ways in which marginalized individuals navigate and survive oppression.
The multilayered language used by the enslaved characters, including their ability to code-switch and conceal their true linguistic competence
The scene where Jim teaches his children how to communicate in a way that appeases their white oppressors, likened to a "special power" or "survival skill"
In "James," Everett captures a pivotal scene where Jim instructs his children on how to speak to white people in specific scenarios. The communication strategies taught by Jim highlight the use of language as a crucial survival skill, allowing the enslaved to maneuver through oppressive environments subtly. Jim understands the importance of allowing whites to name the trouble and of appearing less knowledgeable. His daughter, Rachel, adeptly adopts this strategy by asking, "Oh, Lord, Missums, ma'am, you want for me to get sand?" in response to being advised on how to handle a grease fire, rather than revealing her own knowledge that water would exacerbate the fire.
Everett's critique of the portrayal of language in other works, such as "12 Years a Slave," which he felt stripped the humanity from the enslaved characters
Everett's belief that oppressed people develop complex communication strategies to navigate their circumstances and maintain ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The portrayal of language and communication in "James" and its significance
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of code-switching and concealing linguistic competence as a survival strategy could be questioned, as it may not have been uniformly successful or possible for all enslaved individuals.
- The portrayal of language as a "special power" might romanticize the harsh realities of slavery, potentially minimizing the systemic abuse and lack of agency experienced by enslaved people.
- The idea that Jim's teaching is a form of empowerment could be critiqued, as it may also reflect the internalization of oppressive dynamics and the necessity to adapt to an unjust system for survival.
- The comparison between Everett's "James" and "12 Years a Slave" might overlook the different mediums (literature vs. film) and the challenges each medium faces in conveying the nuances of language and communication.
- Everett's critique of "12 Years a Slave" could be seen as a singular interpretation, and others might argue that the film does, in its own way, address the complexity of enslaved individuals' experience ...
Actionables
- You can explore the complexity of communication by journaling about your own language use in different social contexts, noting how you adapt your speech to fit various audiences and why.
- Keeping a daily record of conversations can help you become more aware of your own code-switching habits. For example, you might notice that you use more formal language at work compared to when you're chatting with friends, or that you tend to downplay your expertise in certain settings to make others feel more comfortable.
- Engage in role-playing exercises with friends to practice adjusting your communication style in hypothetical scenarios.
- This can be a fun and enlightening way to see how you and others change language based on perceived social status or power dynamics. For instance, you could act out a situation where one person is a customer complaining to a manager, and then switch roles. Discuss afterwards how your language and demeanor changed with each role.
- Start a book club focused on novels and stories that showcase diverse ...
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The legacy and controversies surrounding the original "Huckleberry Finn" novel
Everett provides a unique perspective on the heated debates and numerous attempts to censor or alter Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," particularly regarding the novel's use of racial slurs.
Everett's perspective on the longstanding debates and attempts to censor or alter the original novel, particularly due to its use of racial slurs
Everett contends that those who push for banning "Huckleberry Finn" are often those who have not actually read the book in its entirety. He understands the unease that surrounds the use of the racial slur "nigger" within the novel's text. However, he stands firmly against substituting it with the so-called "N-word," which he views as nonsensical and a measure that doesn't actually address the issue.
Everett's stance that banning or censoring the novel reflects a lack of understanding of the context and purpose behind the language used, and that the word itself is less problematic than the underlying intention
He further argues that it's not the word itself that is the core problem, but rather the intention behind its use. Everett believes it is important to see the word in the text and understand the context in which Twain used it to truly grasp the message and to know the intentions of those one deals with. To him, masking the term may lead to misinterpreting or ignoring the underlying attitudes it represents.
...
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The legacy and controversies surrounding the original "Huckleberry Finn" novel
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Counterarguments
- The use of racial slurs in literature, regardless of historical context, can perpetuate harm and may not be suitable for all audiences, especially in educational settings where the book is often assigned.
- Some argue that reading the novel in its entirety does not negate the potential harm caused by its language and that sensitivity to readers' diverse backgrounds is important.
- There is a perspective that substituting "nigger" with the "N-word" is not about masking the issue but about adapting the language to be less offensive to contemporary readers while still addressing the historical context.
- Critics may argue that understanding the context of the language does not fully alleviate the hurt that such words can cause to readers, particularly those of the racial group targeted by the slur.
- It is possible to acknowledge the historical significance of a novel while also recognizing that its content may no longer align with contemporary values and thus may require critical framing or adaptation.
- Some educators and scholars believe that literature ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of controversial literature by reading "Huckleberry Finn" in a book club setting, focusing on open discussions about its language and themes. By doing this, you'll engage with the text and its historical context, allowing for a more nuanced view of its impact on culture. For example, after reading a chapter, the group could discuss the implications of the language used and compare it to modern societal values.
- Start a personal journal to reflect on your reactions to challenging content in literature or media. This practice can help you explore your own biases and the intentions behind language use. For instance, after encountering a controversial term or scene in a book, write down your immediate emotional response, followed by a more analytical reflection on why the content is provocative and what it reveals about societal attitudes.
- Engage with local libraries or educational programs ...
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