Harlem Rhapsody Summary, Characters and Themes

Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance in the early 20th century.  The story follows Jessie Fauset, an ambitious and talented literary editor at The Crisis, the NAACP’s influential magazine.

As Jessie navigates her new life in Harlem, she becomes entangled in the complex dynamics of race, identity, and personal ambition.  The novel explores themes of intellectualism, the fight for racial equality, and the emotional challenges of balancing professional aspirations with complicated relationships, particularly with her mentor, W.E.B. Du Bois.  It paints a vivid picture of Harlem’s cultural vibrancy while examining the personal struggles and sacrifices Jessie faces in her quest for recognition and personal fulfillment.

Summary

In Harlem Rhapsody, Jessie Fauset, a promising young woman from a quiet city, arrives in New York in 1919 with her mother.  They settle in Harlem, a neighborhood bustling with artistic and cultural life, where Jessie begins her work as the literary editor for The Crisis, the flagship publication of the NAACP.

This position, created for her by W. E.B.  Du Bois, serves as both an opportunity and a challenge for Jessie, as it places her at the heart of the Harlem Renaissance.

Jessie’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life, filled with ambition and personal conflict, as she strives to make a meaningful contribution to African American literature and culture.

Despite the excitement surrounding her new role, Jessie is also confronted with the reality of Harlem’s vibrant yet tumultuous social and political scene.  Her relationship with Du Bois is central to the story, as Jessie admires him both intellectually and emotionally.

However, Du Bois is married, and their professional connection is clouded by Jessie’s personal feelings, creating tension and emotional turmoil for her.  As Jessie navigates her career at The Crisis, she must also come to terms with the complex dynamics of her relationship with Du Bois, balancing her admiration for his intellect with the deep personal attraction she feels for him.

Throughout the narrative, Jessie’s mother plays an important role in her life, embodying the traditional, cautious values of the older generation.  Her mother’s reservations about Harlem and the changing social dynamics serve as a foil to Jessie’s more progressive and daring approach to life.

Jessie’s mother worries about the pressures of living in Harlem and the potential consequences of Jessie’s relationship with Du Bois, urging her to maintain “proper decorum” at all times.  This maternal advice, while well-intentioned, creates a rift between them, as Jessie grapples with her desire for independence and her mother’s desire for her to conform to societal expectations.

At The Crisis, Jessie is tasked with reviewing submissions and shaping the literary direction of the magazine.  This responsibility is both empowering and challenging, as Jessie works to elevate African American writers and bring their voices to the forefront of national discourse.

She is particularly struck by the work of emerging poets like Langston Hughes, whom she meets in one of the chapters.  Jessie’s connection with Hughes deepens as she offers him guidance and support, understanding the importance of nurturing new voices in the literary world.

Jessie’s role at The Crisis also involves managing relationships with influential figures within the African American intellectual community.  Miss Ovington, a prominent figure in the NAACP, is a constant presence in Jessie’s professional life, and their interactions reveal the tension between Jessie’s growing influence and the established figures within the movement.

Jessie’s determination to succeed at The Crisis is continually tested, not only by external pressures but also by her own emotional struggles and the expectations placed upon her as a woman in a male-dominated intellectual environment.

As the story progresses, Jessie finds herself becoming more disillusioned with her role at The Crisis.  Despite the respect she earns from her colleagues, Jessie realizes that her career has reached a crossroads.

She begins to question her future in the magazine and wonders whether her personal aspirations can be reconciled with her professional responsibilities.  Jessie’s internal conflict comes to a head during a significant event—a surprise anniversary celebration for Will and Nina Du Bois.

During this event, Jessie’s emotions spill over when she witnesses Will’s apparent emotional connection with Georgia Douglas Johnson, leading to a painful confrontation.  This moment forces Jessie to confront the reality of her relationship with Will and the professional boundaries she must maintain.

Jessie’s emotional journey culminates in a decision to leave The Crisis and embark on a new chapter in her career.  This decision is driven by her recognition that she has outgrown her role as literary editor and that her future lies elsewhere.

Jessie’s departure from The Crisis is bittersweet, as she acknowledges the magazine’s significance in her life but also understands that it is time for her to seek new opportunities.  The novel ends with Jessie preparing to take on a new role in publishing, leaving behind the world of The Crisis and Harlem.

Her departure represents a personal evolution, not only for her but for the broader representation of black women in literature.

Throughout the novel, Jessie’s dedication to her work is contrasted with the emotional toll her personal life takes on her.  The pressures of living in Harlem, maintaining her professional image, and dealing with the complexities of her relationships with figures like Du Bois and Langston Hughes shape her character in profound ways.

Ultimately, Jessie’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her ambition with her personal desires and redefine her place in the literary world.  The novel paints a rich portrait of the Harlem Renaissance and the challenges faced by African American women during this transformative period in history.

Characters

Jessie Fauset

Jessie Fauset, the protagonist of Harlem Rhapsody, is a complex character defined by her determination, ambition, and emotional depth.  When we first meet her, she is a bright and eager woman embarking on a new chapter in her life in New York, where she is appointed the literary editor for The Crisis, a position specifically created for her by Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois.

As a member of the Harlem Renaissance, Jessie becomes a crucial figure in the movement, balancing her personal ambitions with her professional responsibilities.

Throughout the novel, Jessie grapples with her role as a woman in a male-dominated field, navigating the expectations placed on her as an intellectual, a Black woman, and a burgeoning literary figure.  Her passion for literature and her sense of duty to the African American community fuel her drive, and she becomes heavily involved in shaping the cultural narrative of the time through The Crisis.

However, Jessie’s internal conflict arises from her emotional attachment to Du Bois, her mentor and an influential figure in her life.  Although their professional connection is strong, Jessie harbors deeper feelings for him, which complicate their relationship.

This dynamic highlights her struggle to balance her personal desires with her professional obligations, particularly as Du Bois is already married, which creates a sense of emotional turmoil for her.

Despite her personal challenges, Jessie shows immense growth throughout the narrative.  Her determination to make her mark on the literary world becomes more evident as she interacts with key figures of the Harlem Renaissance, such as Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen.

However, her career ambitions are not without sacrifices.  As Jessie becomes more entrenched in her role, she must also contend with the realities of racial and gender inequality, navigating a complex social and professional landscape.

In the end, Jessie’s journey is one of personal and professional evolution.  She moves beyond the constraints of Harlem and The Crisis to pursue new opportunities, ultimately marking a significant turning point in her life.

Her decision to leave the magazine reflects her desire to forge a new path, independent of her former relationships and responsibilities.

W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois is an essential character in Harlem Rhapsody, though his role is more complex than just being a mentor to Jessie Fauset.

He represents the intellectual force behind the Harlem Renaissance and the broader fight for racial equality, and his influence on Jessie is profound.  Their relationship, which begins as a professional one, becomes deeply complicated by Jessie’s growing feelings for him.

Du Bois, a married man, does not reciprocate Jessie’s romantic interest, yet their intellectual bond remains strong.

Du Bois’s character is portrayed as a man who is unwavering in his commitment to the advancement of African Americans through intellectual achievement and political activism.  However, his personal life, particularly his marriage, creates tension in his relationship with Jessie.

He encourages her career and supports her involvement in the literary movement, but his emotional distance leaves Jessie in a constant state of internal conflict.  Du Bois’s character adds a layer of complexity to the novel, as he embodies the sacrifices that individuals must make for the greater good of their community while simultaneously grappling with personal desires and limitations.

His relationship with Jessie showcases the difficulty of balancing personal and professional responsibilities in a world where race and gender play critical roles in shaping one’s opportunities.

Jessie’s Mother

Jessie’s mother plays an integral role in the early chapters of Harlem Rhapsody, representing a figure of caution and pragmatism in contrast to Jessie’s bold and ambitious nature.  She is protective of her daughter, particularly as Jessie embarks on her new life in Harlem.

Her reservations about Jessie’s proximity to Du Bois highlight the concerns that many African American mothers of the time would have had about the risks associated with their daughters’ independence in a society rife with racial and gender discrimination.

While Jessie’s mother encourages her in her pursuit of a career, she also believes in maintaining “proper decorum,” a sentiment that reflects the generational divide between the two women.  Jessie’s mother’s concerns about her daughter’s emotional well-being and societal reputation create a tension between them, as Jessie seeks to break away from traditional expectations while still maintaining a connection to her roots.

Her mother’s role in the story reflects the broader struggles faced by Black families, particularly women, who must navigate societal pressures and personal aspirations in a world that often works against their success.

Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes, though a secondary character in Harlem Rhapsody, plays a significant role in the development of Jessie Fauset’s character.  As a young poet, Hughes represents the new generation of Black writers emerging during the Harlem Renaissance.

His interactions with Jessie reveal his own struggles with identity and belonging, particularly in relation to his strained relationship with his father.  Jessie sees potential in him and encourages his literary pursuits, providing him with a platform through The Crisis.

Hughes’s character is symbolic of the tension between youthful ambition and the more established intellectual figures of the movement.  His presence in the narrative adds a sense of vitality and optimism, as he represents the future of Black literature.

Jessie’s mentorship of Hughes is one of the ways in which she navigates her role in the literary world, helping to cultivate the next generation of writers while simultaneously grappling with her own professional challenges and personal sacrifices.  His character highlights the theme of generational change, as younger artists and intellectuals strive to create a space for themselves in a world that is not always welcoming to their voices.

Themes

Racial Identity and Cultural Shifts

The novel Harlem Rhapsody takes place at a pivotal moment in African American history, capturing the spirit and challenges of the Harlem Renaissance.  As Jessie Fauset embarks on her journey, she is faced with the weight of racial identity and its implications within the social, professional, and personal spheres.

Jessie is both a product of her time and a force within it, moving through Harlem and interacting with prominent figures like W. E.B. Du Bois.

Her work as the literary editor at The Crisis places her at the heart of the battle for racial equality, as she strives to give African American writers a platform in a society that often marginalizes their voices.  This intersection of culture, activism, and literature forms a complex dynamic that Jessie must navigate carefully, balancing her own desires with the greater needs of her community.

The novel speaks to the growing sense of black pride and the artistic revolution of the time, where artists, poets, and intellectuals like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen aim to reshape the cultural narrative.  However, the internal tension faced by Jessie—torn between her role in the intellectual community and her longing for personal fulfillment—illustrates the struggles of individuals caught in the broader societal movement for racial justice.

Gender and Professional Ambition

Jessie’s personal and professional journey is deeply influenced by the societal expectations placed on women during the early 20th century.  As a female literary editor, Jessie is constantly aware of the pressures of achieving success in a male-dominated world.

Her determination to succeed in her position at The Crisis is not only a personal goal but also a reflection of the larger struggle for gender equality.  Jessie’s ambition to rise above her role and become the editor of The Crisis highlights the tension between her career aspirations and the constraints imposed upon her by societal norms.

Throughout the story, Jessie grapples with these expectations, particularly as she contemplates her evolving relationship with W. E.B.  Du Bois.

While her professional life demands focus and dedication, her personal desires—especially her feelings for Du Bois—often conflict with the self-assurance and independence she seeks to cultivate.  This theme explores how women, particularly black women, navigated professional spaces during the Harlem Renaissance, striving for recognition and authority in fields where they were often overlooked or undervalued.

Emotional Conflict and Relationships

Jessie’s relationship with W. E.B.  Du Bois serves as a central emotional arc within Harlem Rhapsody.

The complexities of their professional relationship, underpinned by Jessie’s deepening personal feelings for Du Bois, highlight the tension between ambition, love, and respect.  Despite the intellectual and professional bond they share, Jessie is caught in the turmoil of her emotions, struggling to reconcile her admiration for Du Bois with the reality of his personal life.

Du Bois is married, and this reality casts a long shadow over their connection, forcing Jessie to confront the painful contradiction between her career aspirations and her emotional desires.  The novel also touches upon the protective role of Jessie’s mother, who fears for her daughter’s future as she navigates this intricate web of personal and professional relationships.

Jessie’s relationship with her mother represents a broader generational conflict, as older generations often viewed the pursuit of personal autonomy and ambition with skepticism, especially for women.  This emotional tug-of-war not only shapes Jessie’s character but also mirrors the broader societal struggles of African American women during this era, who often had to choose between fulfilling societal expectations or pursuing their own personal desires.

Literary Legacy and the Struggle for Representation

Throughout Harlem Rhapsody, Jessie strives to carve out a space for black writers in the literary canon, and her work at The Crisis becomes an important vehicle for this mission.  Her role is not just about editing; it is about fostering a community of African American writers and ensuring their voices are heard in a society that often refuses to acknowledge their worth.

The novel explores the challenges Jessie faces in balancing her professional role with the pressures of representing black writers, artists, and intellectuals in a way that does justice to their lived experiences.  The racial dynamics of the literary world, with its gatekeepers and white critics, create a landscape fraught with obstacles for writers of color.

Jessie’s desire to elevate African American voices, such as those of Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, reflects the larger struggle for cultural recognition.  However, Jessie also has to confront her own place in this world, dealing with the personal costs of her dedication to the literary movement.

Her eventual decision to leave The Crisis and seek new opportunities represents both a personal evolution and a shift in the literary landscape, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by black writers and the need for continual progress in the fight for cultural representation and equality.

Personal Growth and Independence

The culmination of Jessie’s journey in Harlem Rhapsody is marked by her decision to leave her role at The Crisis and pursue new opportunities, symbolizing her personal growth and the quest for independence.  Jessie’s transition from the security of her role as literary editor to the uncertainty of a new path underscores the theme of self-discovery and the need to break free from the constraints of both societal expectations and personal attachments.

Throughout the narrative, Jessie is faced with difficult choices that require her to navigate between her professional ambitions and her emotional connections, particularly with W. E.B.  Du Bois.

Her decision to step away from the magazine and explore new opportunities reflects her desire for a future beyond the shadow of her past relationships and the expectations placed upon her as a woman of color.  This choice highlights Jessie’s development as a character who learns to prioritize her own aspirations over the expectations of others, marking a critical moment of self-liberation.

Her journey is one of resilience and self-empowerment, as she ultimately embraces a future of possibility, ready to shape her own narrative within the world of literature and beyond.