Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > 'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

This NPR podcast explores the influential role of Jesse Redmond Fawcett, the first Black Cornell graduate and Phi Beta Kappa inductee, during the Harlem Renaissance literary movement. Author Victoria Christopher Murray shines a light on how Fawcett, through her work at W.E.B. Du Bois' esteemed Crisis magazine, mentored iconic writers like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen as they discovered their voices.

Murray weaves Fawcett's affair with Du Bois as a pivotal plot point in her novel "Harlem Rhapsody," detailing how their relationship led Fawcett to New York City and the literary editor position where she became a guiding force. With meticulous research, the novel evokes the atmosphere and language of 1920s Harlem and the vibrancy of Black creativity during that historic era.

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'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

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'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

1-Page Summary

Jesse Redmond Fawcett's Role in the Harlem Renaissance

Jesse Redmond Fawcett, the first Black woman Cornell graduate and Phi Beta Kappa inductee, secured the literary editor position at W.E.B. Du Bois' esteemed Crisis magazine, placing her at the center of the Harlem Renaissance literary scene.

Victoria Christopher Murray, in researching the era, discovered Fawcett's pivotal influence, earning her the moniker "Midwife of the Harlem Renaissance." Fawcett mentored iconic writers like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Nella Larsen, nurturing their talents and guiding them through challenges as young authors.

Fawcett's Affair With Du Bois and Its Impact

Murray deems Fawcett's affair with Du Bois essential to the narrative's effectiveness, as it influenced Fawcett's move to New York and her esteemed role as Crisis literary editor. Murray portrays their relationship as an ordinary affair between two extraordinary individuals, a catalyst for Fawcett's prominence in nurturing Harlem Renaissance creatives.

Capturing 1920s Language and Atmosphere

To capture an authentic 1920s atmosphere, Murray meticulously studied every Crisis issue from 1919 to 1925, adopting the era's formal language and mindset. Her novel, "Harlem Rhapsody," further enhances authenticity by featuring real Harlem Renaissance figures, allowing readers to feel transported to the vibrancy of that historic period. Murray's research and craft vividly bring to life the spirit of Fawcett and Black creativity during the era.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Explore your local library's archives to uncover stories of lesser-known historical figures in your community. By delving into old newspapers, letters, and records, you can piece together narratives that may have been overlooked, much like the story of Jesse Redmond Fawcett, and share these findings through a blog or social media to raise awareness.
  • Start a book club focused on novels and poetry from a specific historical era, such as the Harlem Renaissance, to gain a deeper understanding of that time period. This can be a way to connect with others interested in history and literature, and you can use resources like Project Gutenberg or your local library to access works from that era for your discussions.
  • Write a short story or create a piece of art inspired by the themes and figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Use the era's rich cultural backdrop to fuel your creativity, and consider sharing your work on platforms like Wattpad or Etsy, where communities appreciate historical and artistic endeavors.

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'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

Jesse Redmond Fawcett's Role in the Harlem Renaissance

Jesse Redmond Fawcett's prominent role in the Harlem Renaissance period as a nurturer of talent and a prominent figure in literature is highlighted by her academic accomplishments and contributions to nurturing young Black writers.

Fawcett: First Black Woman Cornell Graduate, Phi Beta Kappa

Jesse Redmond Fawcett's academic achievements set a precedent for her significant influence on the literary community, especially in the Harlem Renaissance.

Fawcett's Achievements Qualified Her For the Literary Editor Role at the Crisis, Created by W.E.B. Du Bois

Fawcett, distinguishing herself as both the first Black woman to graduate from Cornell University and the first Black woman to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, leveraged her accomplishments to secure the literary editor position at The Crisis. The magazine, created by W.E.B. Du Bois, was an essential platform for African American writers and thinkers. Fawcett's leadership role at this publication placed her at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance's intense literary activity.

Fawcett Elevated Harlem Renaissance Writers, Earning the Moniker "Midwife of the Harlem Renaissance."

Victoria Christopher Murray discovered the breadth of Fawcett's impact during her research on women of the Harlem Renaissance. She found references by Langston Hughes who regarded Fawcett as the "midwife of the Harlem Renaissance," a fitting tribute to her deep influence on the period's literary progress.

Fawcett Mentored and Edited Writers Such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Nella Larsen, and Gwendolyn Bennett Through Challenges as Young Auth ...

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Jesse Redmond Fawcett's Role in the Harlem Renaissance

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can celebrate the achievements of trailblazers in your field by creating a digital tribute page. Use a free website builder to craft a page that honors a pioneer from your profession, including their biography, contributions, and the obstacles they overcame. This not only pays homage to their legacy but also educates others about the history and evolution of your field.
  • Start a peer mentoring group to foster growth and support within your community. Gather a small group of peers with diverse backgrounds and meet regularly to share experiences, offer feedback, and provide encouragement. This emulates Fawcett's role in nurturing talent and can help members overcome personal and professional challenges.
  • Write and share articl ...

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'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

Fawcett's Affair With Du Bois and Its Impact on the Harlem Renaissance

Victoria Christopher Murray explores the complex relationship between Jesse Redmond Fawcett and W.E.B. Du Bois and its significance within the Harlem Renaissance.

Author Deemed Fawcett's Affair With Du Bois Essential to the Novel's Effectiveness

Murray initially tried writing her book without the affair, focusing solely on Fawcett's impact, but found it lacked narrative effectiveness. She claims the affair was instrumental to Fawcett's relocation to New York and her achievements within the Harlem Renaissance, making it an indispensable aspect of the story.

Fawcett's Move to New York and Role in Harlem Renaissance as the Crisis Literary Editor Under Du Bois

Du Bois' encouragement and their romantic involvement significantly influenced Fawcett's decision to move to New York, where she secured the prominent position of the Crisis Literary Editor. This role granted her the platform to support and develop the careers of Harlem Renaissance writers and artists and to complete her first novel.

Fawcett and Du Bois' Affair: Insights Into Extraordinary Lives and an Ordinary Relationship

Murray brings forth the notion that, despite their exc ...

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Fawcett's Affair With Du Bois and Its Impact on the Harlem Renaissance

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Explore the impact of personal relationships on your career by journaling about key individuals who have influenced your professional path. Reflect on how their support or involvement has shaped your decisions and growth, similar to how Fawcett's move and career were influenced by her relationship with Du Bois.
  • Create a visual timeline of your life's pivotal moments to gain insight into how personal experiences intertwine with your achievements. This can help you understand the interplay between your private life and public success, akin to how Fawcett and Du Bois' affair provided a window into their lives.
  • Write a short story or personal essay that captur ...

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'Harlem Rhapsody' is a novel about an affair at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance

Capturing 1920s Language and Atmosphere in Historical Fiction

Victoria Christopher Murray went to great lengths to capture the authentic atmosphere and language of the 1920s in her historical fiction.

Author Read Every Issue of the Crisis Magazine (1919-1925) For Authentic Language and Mindset of the Era

To ensure a period-accurate portrayal of the 1920s, especially during the time Jesse Fawcett served as editor, Murray read every issue of The Crisis magazine from 1919 to 1925. Her research was thorough and aimed to not only echo the linguistic style of the era but also reflect the mindset of the people. Murray's dedication to authenticity meant embracing the formality of the time in her writing, opting for her characters to ponder rather than merely think, thus drawing readers deeper into the atmosphere of the time.

Inclusion of Harlem Renaissance Figures Adds Authenticity and Vibrancy

Author's Research and Craft Bring Harlem Renaissance To Life

"Harlem Rhapsody," Murray's novel, becomes a rich tapestry by featuring real figures from the Harlem Renaissance, furt ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Capturing 1920s Language and Atmosphere in Historical Fiction

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can deepen your understanding of a historical era by reading periodicals from that time, much like reading The Crisis magazine for the 1920s. Start with online archives or visit your local library to find magazines or newspapers from a specific decade. This will give you a sense of the language, concerns, and culture of the time, enriching your knowledge in a way that history books might not.
  • Enhance your creative writing by incorporating historical figures into your stories to add depth and realism. Choose a historical period you're interested in, research prominent figures from that era, and then weave them into your narrative. This technique can bring a sense of authenticity to your work and help you practice character development.
  • Engage with the past by cre ...

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