Summary Of Tragedy By Arna Bontemps

The story, “A Summer of Tragedy” by Arna Bontemps. It was written at a time of great economic depression and color segregation in America. It is set in New Orleans a place that is very fertile and near the river Mississippi. It tells the story of an old couple who are on the verge of despair. Jeff and Jennie are the two protagonists. They are a poor couple who seem to have lost all hope in life. After losing their five children in a span of two years, being in much debt, sickness and their old age, the couple has nothing else to live for. The story is written in the era when majority of the black people did not own their own land. It was a time when America was still struggling to let go of slavery. Many African people did not own their own land. It was a time when America was still struggling to let go of slavery. Many African Americans worked for the white people mostly as share farmers.
Despite the poverty and misery they live in, the couple is very much in love and they care deeply for one another. This can be seen when Jennie helps Jeff to dress up regardless of the fact that she is blind and her body is aching. The story begins as the couple is dressing up to go for a journey. It is not a normal journey however, as Jeff shakes and trembles at the thought of it. He is so unsure of the whole idea and it really scares him. At one time, he even feels dizzy just thinking about it. Normal journeys feel people with excitement and longing. They wear their best clothing and are ready to go. Despite her blindness and apparent sickly nature, Jennie is seen as having a greater will to go ahead with their journey. She is the stronger of the two and she is the one who urges Jeff to go forward and chiding him about his fear. There are various issues brought about in the