C. W. Chesnutt, The House Behind the Cedars

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Charles Chesnutt published his first novel,

The House Behind the Cedars

, in 1900. It takes place “a few years after the Civil War”, tracing the lives of John Warwick and his sister, Rena—two light-skinned blacks who pass for white in the deep South (1). The white world appears to offer limitless possibility for the siblings. Warwick becomes a lawyer and Rena becomes engaged to George Tryon, a white aristocrat who seems to offer a love that is sincere and redemptive. But when Tryon discovers Rena’s racial history, tragedy ensues, and what appeared to be a land of opportunity becomes the site of tyranny and sadness.

As it portrays the complexities of a shifting racial system that is paradoxically both rigid and violable, Chesnutt’s novel poses questions that are fundamental to U.S.

2257 words

Citation: Ritzenberg, Aaron. "The House Behind the Cedars". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 07 July 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=516, accessed 19 March 2024.]

516 The House Behind the Cedars 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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