The Marrow of Tradition by Charles W. Chesnutt is set in the fictional town of Wellington, North Carolina, and chronicles the intertwined lives of Major and Mrs. Olivia Carteret and Dr. William and Mrs. Janet Miller. Olivia and Janet are half-sisters, but Olivia refuses to acknowledge Janet due to her mixed heritage. As Major Carteret stirs racial tensions through his newspaper, a violent riot erupts, deeply affecting both families and highlighting the persistent racial injustices of the era. Includes depictions of racial violence, including murder.

The Marrow of Tradition by Charles W. Chesnutt is celebrated for its powerful portrayal of racial tensions and the complexities of post-Reconstruction America. Critics praise its rich character development and historical accuracy, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it is lauded as a significant, thought-provoking work that remains relevant to contemporary discussions on race.

Readers who appreciate literary works that explore racial tensions and social justice, such as Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird or Toni Morrison's Beloved, will find Charles W. Chesnutt's The Marrow of Tradition compelling. This novel delves into post-Reconstruction America, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in American history and racial dynamics.

Informative / Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Challenging

- The Marrow of Tradition was published in 1901 and is inspired by the real-life 1898 Wilmington Race Riot, illuminating turbulent aspects of American racial history.
- Charles W. Chesnutt, although of mixed race, identified as African American and used his literary work to address issues of racial identity and social justice in post-Civil War America.
- The novel challenges the conventional narratives of Southern life by integrating complex characters and tensions, offering a critique of the romanticized view of the Old South.

**Olivia Carteret**  
The daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Merkell, Olivia is a significant character who grapples with familial tensions and personal challenges. She has complicated feelings towards her half-sister Janet.

**Major Carteret**  
The last of the Carteret family line, Major Carteret runs a newspaper with strong political views and is an influential figure in the community.

**Janet Miller**  
Janet is the biracial daughter of Samuel Merkell and Julia. She is educated, married to Dr. Miller, and seeks acknowledgment from her half-sister, Olivia.

**Dr. William Miller**  
A distinguished Black surgeon, Dr. Miller is dedicated to his community, having studied in Europe and founded a hospital for Black patients.

**Polly Ochiltree**  
Mrs. Ochiltree is Olivia's aunt and a sharp-tongued woman who raises her after Elizabeth Merkell's death. She becomes involved in a family controversy.

**Lee Ellis**  
Ellis is a gentleman of Quaker descent who maintains his personal beliefs in a deeply prejudiced society, assisting those he deems unjustly treated.

**Mr. John Delamere**  
An elderly Southern gentleman, Mr. Delamere embodies a progressive stance on racial issues and sincerely regards his manservant Sandy as family.

**Tom Delamere**  
The last heir of a wealthy family, Tom prioritizes appearances over integrity. Despite his public persona, he indulges in immoral activities.

**Sandy Campbell**  
Sandy is Mr. Delamere’s loyal manservant, deeply embedded in the family’s service, presenting an image of dedication and reliability.

**Captain McBane**  
Born to an overseer, McBane amassed wealth through exploitation and has a reputation marked by aggression and a lack of social refinement.

Charles W. Chesnutt

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Chapters 1-3

The Marrow of Tradition Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

The Marrow of Tradition Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

The Marrow of Tradition Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-15

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Chapters 16-19

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Chapters 20-23

The Marrow of Tradition Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-27

The Marrow of Tradition Chapters 24-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-31

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Chapters 32-34

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Chapters 35-37

The Marrow of Tradition Chapters 35-37 Summary & Analysis

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The Marrow of Tradition Character Analysis

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