Charles Chesnutt is an author often lauded for his careful use of language, character, and plot to create thematically cohesive and impactful narratives centered on the racial discourses of the early 20th century; however, some critics argue that his penultimate novel, The Marrow of Tradition, fails to meet the standard established by previous works. They blame the novel’s thematic failure on Chesnutt’s apparent inability to balance his use of character doubling with a structurally satisfying story. However, it is through the combination of these apparently incongruous elements that Chesnutt challenges his readers—specifically, contemporary, white readers—to recognize the otherness of their existence in a world in which their racial identity is considered neutral. Looking closely at the pairs of biracial doppelgangers within the text reveals three instances of white characters unwilling to perform this radical act of pre-intersectional self-reflection and further, using this chosen ignorance to maintain traditional systems of power.

Dr. Andy Harper has been a constant source of support for Lydia over the last year. While not the first professor of hers to assign the work of Charles Chesnutt, his willingness to delve deeply into both the offered text and surrounding scholarship has been integral to the development of her academic perspective. Andy's further encouragement of her (at times chaotic) ideas, analysis, and writing ability is thoroughly appreciated.