Topic > Main themes of Jesmyn Ward's novel 'Salvage The Bones'

Index Introduction:Main themes of the novel:Conclusion:Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Introduction: Jesmyn Ward tells the story of an African-American family facing Hurricane Katrina while living in Mississippi in "Salvage the Bones." The novel explores themes of poverty, family and community, and the characters' struggles are portrayed in an emotional and powerful way. One of the novel's strengths is its ability to convey the sense of hopelessness and hopelessness that poverty can bring, as well as the resilience and determination of the characters. Additionally, the novel depicts the harsh realities of life in the South, particularly for people of color. Overall, “Salvage the Bones” is a thought-provoking and impactful read that will leave readers with a lasting impression. Major Themes of the Novel: One of the major themes of "Salvage the Bones" is poverty. The Batiste family, the central characters of the novel, are extremely poor and often struggle to make ends meet. They live in a small, dilapidated house and rely on government assistance to survive. The poverty they experience is not only financial but also extends to the lack of opportunities and resources available to them. Esch, the protagonist of the novel, describes their situation in the following lines: "We have nothing but our bones. We have no money, no food, no place to go" (Ward, 2011, p. 2). . This sentence highlights the dire straits the family finds themselves in and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. The poverty experienced by the Batiste family isn't just about them, it's a thread that runs through the entire community, which is described as a place where people are trapped in a cycle of poverty with little chance of breaking out. Another important theme in the novel is family. The Batiste family is described as a close-knit and deeply connected group, despite their difficulties. They rely on each other for emotional and practical support, and their love for each other is a constant throughout the novel. The bond of family is evident in lines such as: “We are a family, a poor family, but a family” (Ward, 2011, p. 3). The novel also explores the idea of ​​family responsibility and the pressure this can place on individuals. It is clear that the Batiste family is not only connected to each other but also to their community. Their struggles are seen as the struggles of the community as a whole. The novel also explores the theme of community. The community where the Batiste family lives is described as deeply connected to the land and to each other. The community is described as a place where people have lived for generations and where the land is a source of pride and identity. This is evident in lines such as: “This is the land we live on, this is the land we die on” (Ward, 2011, p. 4). The community was also shown to be deeply affected by the impending storm, with many residents struggling to prepare for the hurricane. The novel highlights the importance of community in times of crisis and how people come together to support each other. The novel also delves into the harsh realities of life in the South, particularly for African Americans. Esch, the protagonist, struggles with racism and prejudice, as seen in lines such as "I'm just another black girl from the South. No one will ever think I'm special" (Ward, 2011, p. 5). The novel describes the ways in which racism and prejudice affect the characters' lives. Esch and her family are determined to survive and persevere, but are forced to navigate a world that is against them. The novel does not shy away from showing the ugly side of life in the South.