Post-Bellum and Pre-Harlem: A Conversation About Charles W. Chesnutt

Chris talks to Tess Chakkalakal about her new literary biography, A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt. Tess explains why Chesnutt is such an important figure in American literary history, how his short stories and novels made the case for a color-blind society, and why he should be more widely read today.

Show notes:

• Tess’s book, A Matter of Complexion
• Chesnutt’s short stories: The Conjure Woman and Other Conjure Tales and “The Wife of His Youth”
• Chesnutt’s novels: The House Behind the Cedars and The Marrow of Tradition
• Chesnutt’s speech, “Race Prejudice; Its Causes and Its Cure”

Time stamps:
2:22 – Chesnutt’s early life and education
15:16 – The Conjure Woman
25:09 – The House Behind the Cedars
44:28 – The Marrow of Tradition
52:44 – Chesnutt’s views on race and their legacy

Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.

Produced by Sean Doolan.