The novel takes place in New Rochelle in the 1900’s. During this time period a lot of changes were going on. Some of the changes were the women’s rights movement, race relations, and family roles. The main thing that caught my attention was the race relations between the whites and blacks. Through the novel they show how violence isn’t the way to settle issues like racism. The main character who showed violence trying to gain rights and equality was Coalhouse Walker.
Coalhouse Walker was a black musician who challenged the racial issues in the society of New Rochelle. He was an important symbol in the book. His character provides insight of race relations during the turn of the century. He represents all African Americans who challenged the expectations many whites have of them. His character was formed with great pride like a ty
In the end of the novel Coalhouse was shot leaving the library. His life could have been spared if he only listened to Booker T. Washington or if he would have followed in his foot steps and had peaceful protests. This book showed two different ways to express ones feelings about an issue. It showed that anger and violence just causes more problems.
pical African American had at that time period. They all wanted respect and equal rights.
One scene shows how blacks were mistreated. Coalhouse was stopped for no reason and was being forced to pay an amount of money to the fire chief, Will Conklin. Coalhouse refused and went to find someone to help him. When he found a police officer to help, all he responded was with: “ Those boys don’t mean no harm, he finally said. I know them all. Go on back now, They’re probably tired of the sp
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