2011 essay entrants were asked to answer one of the following questions:
1. How did it make you feel to have six different narrators
tell the story?
2. W hich character did you find the most likeable and why?
Entries were reviewed by members of the Tale for Three Counties Council Inc. who received copies of the submissions in which the writers' identity and location were not included. Judges then voted for which entries they liked the best; the six highest vote getters were selected as winners.
2011 - The Winners
Here are the winning entries in alphabetical order:
Jacquie Billings Barlow, Perry
Ralph Ellison states that all novels should be a “dramatic
study in comparative humanity.” This statement perfectly summarizes
what Hillary Jordan achieved in Mudbound.
The use of six different narrators gives voice to many voiceless issues
of this time. Black and white, male and female, young adults and seasoned
survivors interact, causing the reader to fluctuate between sympathy
and contempt, often for the same character. For example, the reader
sympathizes with Laura as her husband’s single minded venture
forces her into a life she would not choose for herself. In later moments
the reader is stung by Laura’s scornful racist sentiments.
Jordan showed true skill in her craft as she weaved these characters
into a congruous statement on some of the greatest challenges Americans
have struggled with throughout our shared history. The inhumanity shown
by these dark moments resonate with the reader long after the story
is concluded.
Sue Briggs, Stafford
In the novel “Mudbound,” author Hillary Jordan
introduces us to a post World War II community whose residents are struggling
with the forces of racism and the frailties of human nature. As we examine
events from each character’s point of view, the black midwife,
Florence Jackson, earns our admiration for her strength and insight.
Jordan describes her as an Amazon, a warrior, with a “deep running
fierceness.” Her strength is evident when she works the fields
in her injured husband’s stead, refuses to be baited by Pappy
McAllan’s racist remakrs, and rises up to avenge her son in the
novel’s stormy conclusion.
It is Florence who understands the other characters most clearly. She
recognizes Hap and Henry’s landsickness that drives them, and
Laura’s “mother worry” so like her own. She is immune
to Jaime’s charm, recognizes his weakness, and warns her son Ronsel
of the dangers of associating with him.
In the end we can only admire Florence for her dignity and wisdom and
Hillary Jordan for creating her.
Ann Burlingham, Perry
Mudbound”’s use of multiple narrators gives us different
windows into its world. When we look through six different sets of eyes,
we know what each character knows; by reading from multiple points of
view, we have an overview of what each character does not know, as well.
We are also shown the inescapable fragmentation that narrowly-prescribed
roles imposes. Each narrator struggles with their expected role in the
post-WW2 rural South. Even as the characters come together and try (or
don’t) try to understand one another, the racism and sexism of
the society in which they live helps isolate them from one another in
ways hard to overcome even with the greatest goodwill and effort. By
showing us the individuals’ experiences, the author shows us that
each of these characters is at the center of their own story. Each has
their own struggle, choices, and consequences.
Meaghan Hauser, Perry
Which character did you find most likeable and why?
Florence Jackson forcefully inhabit’s the pages of “Mudbound.”
Even shouldered with the indignities black women bear in 1940s Mississippi,
Florence knows who she is and what is worthy of her.
She is a midwife, present at the most intimate moments in many lives.
She rules her household and manages the McAllans, and has complete access
to the unraveling of the two families. A lifelong resident of Marietta,
Florence knows how prejudice will affect all people.
From sticking her finger in Pappy’s waterglass to Biblical sparring
with Hap, Florence carries herself with dignity and honesty. And that
integrity of character makes Florence a trusted ally for readers. She
explains Henry’s “land sickness,” reveals Pappy as
“the real devil” and warns that Jamie has a “hole
in his soul.”
Florence is the reader’s interpreter who helps us spot the tributaries
that lead to the cascading flood of events at the height of “Mudbound.”
Debra Nanni, Batavia
I truly enjoyed having so many different narrators telling
this story. This was a very strong and intense novel. Just when I thought
I knew who was responsible for a certain act or problem, a twist was
thrown in and it turned out to be someone else. This caused me to see
the many different facets of each character’s personality, and
I would see that people were not always the way I first believed they
were.
The fact that each character narrated their own part of the story made
knowing and understanding them so much easier and interesting. I was
able to focus on each person separately and they all become very, very
real to me. When I would sit down in the evening to read another chapter,
I could imagine each person in my head and actually visualize them and
their actions. I believe this was because the narrations made the characters
seem stronger.
The fact that there are so many different narrators did not confuse
me like I thought it would. I think for this particular story to work
as it did and evoke as many feelings, it needed many strong characters,
and they all needed to talk … it was heartbreaking, and wonderful.
David Stevens, Le Roy
Who is your favorite character?
My favorite character is Florence, the black midwife who is mother to
Ronsel. Florence displays an insight into life on the delta that the
others seem to lack. For instance, she’s aware that the land in
fact owns the men who own it: “White or colored, none of em got
sense enough to see that she (the land) the one owns them.” (89)
Unlike her husband Hap, Florence is sensitive to the fact that Ronsel
doesn’t want to stay on the land: “Ronsel couldn’t
a cared less about having his own land, but there wasn’t no point
in telling that to my husband.” (230)
Florence knows what evil is. Even though Hap thinks that Henry is the
devil himself, Florence realizes that it is Henry’s father that
is the real wicked one: “The real devil was that ole man.”
(91) Florence also sees the fatal flaw in Jamie: “Jamies McAllen
wasn’t evil, not like his pappy was, but he did the Dark Man’s
business all the same.” (227) For Florence realizes that Jamie
“has a hole in his sole, the kind the devil loves to find.”
(228)
Throughout the novel, Florence sees through Hap’s blind faith.
Finally, she spits out of the wagon beside the old man’s grave
and says: “That’s for your God. He ain’t getting nothing
more from me.” (312). Hooray for Florence! In spit of that fact
that she couldn’t read, she still could see the truth.
Other essays:
Frances McNulty, Batavia
Which character did you find most likeable and why?
JAMIE
Who wouldn’t like Jamie?
He was a handsome and charming war hero. Although some might argue disreputable
and irresponsible were more accurate modifiers.
Those of us who have never experienced war cannot fully comprehend the
tragic and horrifying events he witnessed. How unfortunate the supportive
services and agencies that exist today were unavailable to him as he
struggled to overcome the issues and demons he faced.
Contrary to prevailing attitudes of the times, and at tremendous personal
risk, he evidenced racial tolerance and a sense of justice that has
otherwise taken years to develop, and continues to evolve. This book
is a thoughtful reminder of a shameful component of our history that,
although improved, we still work to overcome.
The reader might hope Jamie was able to find solace and satisfaction
with the remainder of his life, and his influence and attitudes impacted
those he knew and touched in a positive way.
Sally Capurso, Bergen
How exciting it was to have six different narrators that conveyed six
points of view in “Mudbound”! Each character disclosed his/her
innermost thoughts, emotions, and motives, affording the reader the
opportunity to truly envision the complete picture. Readers experienced
the complexities of human emotions as Laura told of her loves (Henry,
Jamie) and hates (Pappy, the farm) while Jamie conveyed the horrors
of war and Pappy’s derision, ultimately enabling the reader to
empathize with their sexual transgression. Henry’s deep love of
the farm aided our understanding of his reluctance to act on his knowledge
of Laura and Jamie because he was “counting” on Jamie’s
“help for the planting.” Florence’s “calm, womanly
presence” observed all and told it succinctly. Ronsel and Hap
provided insight into the racism of the times while reacting dissimilarly
to it. Finally, their collective introspections reveal their loathing
of Pappy, the seventh narrator, who hardly spoke but uttered volumes
with his unspoken words.
Jason Smith, Batavia
“Mudbound” was a vastly different reading experience due
in part to Jordan’s decision to have the story narrated by 6 different,
yet very similar characters. The characters presented the reader with
an opportunity to hear all perspectives about this riveting Southern
tale. It was as though as I read a collection of short stories with
a common theme. Hap, Florence, Ronsel, Jamie, Henry, and Laura presented
their own perspectives of life on Mudbound and captured it with their
own distinct perspective. Imagine from hearing from two families --
one black and one white -- narrate a Southern story about love, family,
racism and loyalty. What the reader ends up with is a melting pot of
perspectives on a rich tale. Jordan’s approach leaves the reader
with a complete understanding of these characters’ perspective,
and the complexities of life in the Deep South in the 1940s -- an amazing
tale, couples with a creative approach.
Lyn Blackburn, Waterport
Which character did you find most likeable and why?
Florence was my most likeable character in the book. While each character
was tightly interwoven with their actions or lack of actions, dichotomy
was the strongest word that kept surfacing in my mind.
Florence’s memorized knowledge of scripture and inborn sensibility
of herbal remedies as opposed to Laura’s middle class upbringing
and college education was evident. Florence’s reaction to humiliation
by Pappy was her use of inherited “hoo-doo devilment” and
subtle gestures to ignore him; however she was able to sly kill him
as a result of his inhumane treatment of Ronsel. Florence had great
compassion as a Mother and mid-wife and was well-known and needed in
her community versus Laura’s isolation in the Delta region. The
greatest dichotomy was the viciousness of the Ku Klux Klan’s brutal
treatment of Ronsel to Florence’s beloved son.
“Mudbound” was a powerful book to read, emphasizing the
forces of good and evil.
Joyce Thompson-Hovey, Pavilion
Whether it be a mystery, a court case or a person’s life, it’s
all in how each person perceives what happened. Keeping this idea in
mind helped me understand why the author of “Mudbound” chose
to set up character chapters. That way, I felt each individual’s
emotions and I was seeing each event through their eyes.
The driving catalyst, however, is not the character but the time period
of the 1940s in which they lived. The role of women and men, as shown
by Laura and Henry, and of blacks and whites, shown by Hap’s family
and the way the rest of the characters and community viewed them, is
essential to the story. These two issues are what ultimately affect
each character’s point of view.
The more I read the book, the more I felt like I was experiencing that
time period first hand. The way it was setup was the perfect backdrop
to present the multilayered stands of not only society back then, but
of each character and how they ultimately interpreted what was happening
not only in their lives but in the world.
Elizabeth Saleh, Corfu
“Mudbound” is packed with engaging characters, I.e. Laura,
Henry and Hap, salt of the earth types; and Jamie and Ronsel who are
heart wrenching and tragic. As interesting and likeable as these characters
are, Florence immediately crept into my heart. She is strong, an image
of Mother Earth. Her priority is bringing babies into the world and
she has a healing touch. She knows what it means to be a mother and
wife and is fiercely protective of her family. She is a woman of faith,
having a combination of Christian and earthy wisdom.
It’s disturbing that she might have murdered Pappy, but we don’t
know that she would have gone through with it. On the other hand, she
may have just cut out Pappy’s tongue (She did choose the thinnest
blade); this would’ve been appropriate as it was Pappy’s
tongue that did so much damage to her son, and Jamie’s sense of
self worth.
Diane Chamberlain, Silver Springs
Florence was blessed with strong love. She loved Hap deeply before she
even knew his touch. She carried that love through her life. She loved
her children, but she loved Ronsel most. She wasn’t afraid to
admit that fact. Ronsel came into the world with more notice than the
others and as he grew, he shone. To have this deep love of family, despite
undesirable circumstances following her each day, Florence had a full
heart. Florence’s actions through her life reflected this love
of family. When she went to help take care of Laura and Henry’s
sick children, she stayed on so that she wouldn’t bring the contagion
home. Her actions, when they hurt Ronsel, were primarly from love. I
liked Florece because I admire red that she was able to enjoy the blessing
of much love in an otherwise miserable time and place.
Bonnie Bowman, Wyoming
Florence Johnson is the person who I liked and admired in Hillary Jordan’s
novel “Mudbound.”
Being born a Negro and living when she did, she never had the chance
to become the leader I believe she could have been.
Florence was a formidable figure. When called to do so, she could take
charge and run a household as well as keep a struggling crop farm productive.
Though she had a strong personality, many times she was forced to remain
silent, keep her opinions to herself, in order not to bring attention
to her family.
When he son Ronsel was brutally attacked by a gang of white men, she
knew she had to take matters into her own hands. Because of her family’s
race she knew the authorities would not search out or arrest those men.
If Florence had lived in more modern times she would be an advocate
for others.
Linda Daviau, Batavia
Longing, love, loyalty, shame, fear, hated bigotry … all are brought
to life in “Mudbound,” a novel by Hillary Jordan. Set in
rural post-war Mississippi, this multitude of emotions is vividly detailed
by the six main characters whose lives become entwined in the telling
of this tale. By giving each character a voice, Jordan allows the reader
to share their innermost thoughts and feelings, making the story come
alive. Even though the telling of the story is shared by so many characters
it was easy to follow as their lives unfolded in this well-drawn tale.
“Mudbound” is an exceptionally moving account of a time
and place in our history of which I, for one, am not proud. Its climax,
that was shocking but not unexpected, hung over me as I read. “Mudbound”’s
powerful characters will long remain with me.
Rita Fischer, Corfu
How did it make you feel to have six different narrators tell the story?
Reading “Mudbound” from the unique perspectives of six different
narrators was fascinating. Each narrator tells his or her side of the
story. This insight helps the reader to identify with and connect to
the characters. Our own opinions and deepest feelings are alive in Jamie,
Laura, Ronsel, Henry, Florence and Hap. They become like real people.
This fervor drives the reader to continue reading, desperate to discover
the fate of these storytellers.
By allowing each narrator to speak in the novel, Hillary Jordan lets
the reader know exactly what the characters are thinking, not only about
the circumstances, but also about each other. These innermost feelings
would be difficult to reveal from the perspective of a single narrator.
The reader’s anticipation would be lost. This style allows the
reader to hear each side of the story and form an opinion about the
narrator and the situation based on the narrator’s own voice.
“Mudbound” is an exceptional novel that will be read and
re-read by people from every walk of life for years to come.
Carolyn Ricker, Kent
Hillary Jordan’s creative use of her six main characters in narrating
the saga of “Mudbound” draws her readers into the emotion
of each individual and helps us to better understand the choices of
her characters. I am more sympathetic to Henry’s rash decision
to move his family after learning of how he has set aside ths dream
for years. Knowing that he had an original plan to accomplish his goal
with more involvement from his family gives him more credibility as
a loving husband. Jamie’s inability to relate to his family and
share his emotional turmoil with even his own brother, who is familiar
with the terrors of war, is more understandable when read from his perspective.
And I absolutely love that we don’t hear from Pappy as a narrator.
I think many would agree we really don’t care how he feels about
anything, since he is such an irredeemable creature.
Linda DeVito, Oakfield
Laura was a survivor. Well educated and raised in comfortable circumstances,
she was ill equipped to face the hardships of living on a farm. The
fact that she survived and provided a home for her family, showed a
courage and determination that I find admirable and inspiring.
While saying good bye to Laura, before she left for Mississippi, her
father reminded her that she was a “fighter.” She showed
that spirit as an infant, and might need that fight in the future. He
was correct, Laura had to face many physical and emotional challenges.
I would have liked Laura to say, ‘No,’ more often than she
did, but that did not happen in the ‘40s. Like all the characters
in “Mudbound,” Laura was flawed, but she rose above circumstance.
She is a reminder of women I have known, some in my family, who are
strong, courageous examples for us all.