The Marrow of Tradition Lesson Plan

What is the effect of the novel focusing on Ellis's feelings about lynching? Are his feelings important at this point in the story, when he is not part of the mob and is not in danger from the mob? Does this attention distract from any other, more significant characters—and if so, who and how?

Students should note that Ellis serves a relatively unimportant role in the larger plot and yet is given far more interiority than Jerry. Jerry's suffering as a potential victim of mob violence may be the more important perspective at this point. Some students may criticize the novel for privileging a white perspective in this case over that of a Black character.

How do you respond...