The biggest thing that struck me while reading The Sheriff’s Children was the fact that the sheriff, when protecting the black inmate from the lynch mob outside, was portrayed as a hero. Another surprising fact was that a black man had gotten published in 1858 (though he did not advertise this)
The writing quality in this story was also good. Charles Chesnutt was able to give his main characters a fantastic amount of depth and internal conflict, though I was not able to observe much change over the book. I also found that the story seemed to leave off at a somewhat awkward place. This was not as bad as it could have been, but I feel that maybe it would have been better to describe what changes (if any) the sheriff made to his lifestyle after this experience.
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3 comments:
I would have to agree. I thought it was interesting that the sheriff was a hero in the beginning, however in the end I didn't see him as a hero. He still wasn't a bad guy I just thought that he was as good of a character as he was in the beginning.
Austin, good observations made here. I like how you noted Chesnutt's focus on the sheriff's internal conflict--I, too, noticed its presence. I can understand your frustration with the ending and its abruptness, but in a way I thought it was a perfect ending for it leaves the reader to imagine their own sequel...what does the sheriff do afterwards. A sudden and terrible (though not in quality of writing) ending. good writing.
I like your thoughts, but I don't really understand why it stuck you about the sheriff being portrayed as a hero when protecting the prisoner. The comment in response to my entry was that you thought that the sheriff follwed what he thought was right according to his "southern morals," I would be curious to know if you thought that made him a good person. I also thought that the end was fitting and well done, to me, it's implied that the death of the sheriff's son dramatically morphed his lifestyle, but then again, things seemed to take a long time to hit him...so maybe you're right. Anyway, your response and comment were very thought provoking, thanks!
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