[Group E] Mob Madness, by Marion Vera Cuthbert (April 1936)
Author: Marion Vera Cuthbert
Cuthbert, Marion Vera. "Mob Madness." Crisis. (April 1936): 108, 114. Cuthbert, Marion Vera. “Mob Madness.” Ebony Rising: Short Fiction of the Greater Harlem Renaissance Era, edited by Craig Gable, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, 1934.
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Bom in St. Paul in 1896, the poet, college dean, and Columbia University Ph.D. Marion Vera Cuthbert apparently wrote only one short story, “Mob Madness,” for publication. In the wake of the 1934 lynching of Claude Neal, Cuthbert offered readers of The Crisis a stark account of the reach of mob violence into white families. Her story invites comparisons with Ralph Ellison’s “A Party Down at the Square.”
The importance of this statement is to point out the differences in dialect between northern and southern regions of the United States. This shows the diversity and uniqueness of the American culture, highlighting the need to be aware and respectful of culture and dialect. The funny part of this statement is that people from the north find the southern dialect of words amusing.
Claude Neal was an African American who was accused of raping a white woman. White mobs gathered to lynch Claude Neal.
No, AI technology is not capable of understanding the Southern Accent.
Lizzie watched Jim stir his coffee. Her eyes were wide with fever and horror. Around and around he stirred, and the thin stuff slopped over and filled the saucer. But he did not notice because he was talking to their son.
“Shore, we got ‘im at the very spot I showed you and Jeff. Lem would o’ slit his throat right then, but the fellers back on the pike was waitin’ an’ wanted to be in on it, too, so we drug ‘im out o’ the brush. The boys wanted ter git at ‘im to once, but some o’ the more experienced on ’em cooled us down. You was there last night, so you know as much o’ that end o’ it as anybody.”
The grammar is incorrect making it harder to read ad understand
—Tom Sawyer
So, the language the author uses in this passage of Tom Sawyer is seriously hot. The way they use phrases like “drug ‘im out o’ brush” and “git at ’im” packs a punch and creates a vivid image of the scene. Plus, the character’s dialect makes it even more real and authentic, like you’re right there, livin’ it. That creative use of informal language makes this paragraph stand out and just oozes with literary goodness.
Why don’t y’all reread that paragraph a couple more times to really get into it? Let the sick poetic vibes move you and draw out your own feelin’s and thoughts. That’s when y’all’ll see the real weight of the words and the impact they can have.
It’s not very hard for me to read most of this. I think it may be because I have some family from down south, and even my nana, who’s from South Carolina, still has her southern accent even after being in Philly for most of her life.
Its really hard to understand some of the language being used, because its a southern accent.
He turned to the neglected coffee now and downed it in great gulps. The thirteen-year-old boy watched, his face set in a foolish grin of admiration and wonder.
“Jeff said he heard a man down to the square say you all got the wrong nigger. Said this one didn’t do it.”
The Black guy was accused of a crime that they didn’t do
as much as they pleaded they were all viewed as guilty
They kept saying they were innocent they were still viewed as guilty
That’s when I realized that Claud wasn’t wanted for killing an officer, he was being lynched for being black.”
This sentence is important because it reveals the racial motivations behind the lynching of Claud Neal and demonstrates the power that the white community was able to wield over the black community in disempowering and violent ways. This sentence is a stark reminder of the systemic racism and oppression that African Americans faced during this period.
“Anybody that protested for him was threatened.”
This sentence is important because it demonstrates how fear was used by the white community to maintain their oppressive power over the black community. It shows how members of the black community were prevented from advocating for Claud Neal’s rights out of fear for their own safety.
“The coroner came and made other people tell his mama it was accidental death.”
This sentence is important because it illustrates how the white community attempted rewrite Claud Neal’s death in order to erase the narrative of a white mob violently lynching a innocent black man. This sentence speaks to the power of white supremacy in refusing to acknowledge the full truth of Claud Neal’s story and demonstrates systemic injustice that affects African Americans to this day.
To fully understand this text, it is important to be familiar with the history of lynchings in the United States, particularly in the southern states during the Jim Crow era. It is also important to have an awareness of the ways that white supremacy has operated and continues to operate in order to oppress African Americans.
I invite you to take a closer look at this text, to reflect on the powerful impact of systemic racism and injustice, and to consider what you can do to stand up for the rights and dignity of African Americans today.
“Guess he did it all right. An’ if he didn’t, one of the black-stretched out Ole Man Dan’l, an’ the smell o’ this one roastin’ will teach the rest o’ ’em they can’t lay hands on a white man, b’Gawd!”
“Les see the toe again.”
The man took a filthy handkerchief out of his overalls pocket and unwrapped carefully a black object.
Lizzie swayed and, fearing to fall against the hot woodstove, sank into a chair.
I wrote this passage to create an image in the reader’s mind of Lizzie being very sick and wobbly, which is why I chose to describe her sliding into the chair. I also wanted to hint at her fear of something without stating it overtly, so I chose words like ‘swayed’ and ‘fearing’. I think the most important lines in this passage are ‘Lizzie swayed and, fearing to fall against the hot woodstove, sank into a chair.’ as they convey the image of her sickness and hint at her fear of the woodstove. By using the words ‘swayed’ and ‘fearing’, I am suggesting that she was so weak that if she didn’t take extra caution, she would have been in danger of hurting herself by falling against the woodstove. I’m hoping the reader will compose a mental image of Lizzie being very weak and in need of a place of safety and comfort. Can you tell me what image you have of Lizzie after reading this passage? Do you think the writer of this passage conveyed a clear image of her? Does this remind you of any other events from books, movies, TV shows or games that you have seen?
This sentence provides important information about Lizzie’s state of mind and surroundings at the time of the story. It conveys that Lizzie is in distress and is in an uncomfortable setting. This establishes the basis for the narrative of the text and reveals the dire state of Lizzie’s circumstances.
Lizzie stared helplessly at the flickering fire.
This sentence provides insight into Lizzie’s reaction to her circumstances. It reveals her feeling of helplessness, which is further compounded by the fact that the fire is flickering. It provides a dismal picture of Lizzie’s mental and emotional state.
Lizzie felt like she had no control over her situation.
This sentence further emphasizes Lizzie’s sense of helplessness. It conveys that she does not feel confident in her ability to turn her situation around, and she is gripped by a sense of powerlessness.
Lizzie longed for someone to rescue her from this situation.
This sentence provides the climax of the emotional climax of the passage, revealing Lizzie’s ultimate wish. It conveys that Lizzie is in need of someone to step in and save her from her current predicament. This insight into her innermost emotions gives the text a powerful and poignant ending.
Then Jim and the boy finished breakfast and went out For a long time Lizzie sat in the chair. After a while she got up shakily and went in the other room. Little Bessie was still sleeping heavily. She was ailing and her mother had been up with her most of the night.
But she would have been up all of that night, that terrible night, anyway. Neighbors had run in on their way to the square to ask her if he was not going, too.
She was not going.
Jim had come in long past midnight, little Jix with bins. His eyes were bloodshot. She would have believed hir drunk, but there was no smell of liquor on him. The boy was babbling incoherently.
“Maw, you should a seed it!”
Big Jim shut him up. The two fell into bed and siept at once.
After a time it was day, and Lizzie moved like a sick woman to get breakfast.
She stood looking down now on little Bessie. The child’s yellow hair had fallen across her face. This she brushed back and looked for a long time on the thin little oval of a face. The purple-veined eyelids were closed upon deep blue-gray eyes. Lizzie’s own mother had said she was the living image of little Bessie when she was a child. Delicate and finicky. But when she was sixteen, she had married six foot, red-faced Jiva. He was always rough, but men seemed all like that. She did not know then that he would . . .
After a little the child awoke. She gave her some breakfast, but would not let her get up. Allie Sneed fom next door ran in.
“Everything’s as quiet as kin be this mornin’. Not a nigger on the street. Lizzie, you missed it last night!”
”
This quote is from Mark Twain’s novel “Huckleberry Finn” and is spoken by the character Jim. It means that the environment around them is peaceful and still. Jim is commenting on how he and the other characters, Huck and Tom, are the only signs of life, as the noise and activity of the morning is absent. His observation emphasizes the calm atmosphere and emphasizes the contrast between the peaceful morning and the upcoming adventure that Huck and Tom are about to embark on. Now reread the text with this summary in mind. Is there anything you would add to this summary? Please let me know what you are thinking about the text in your reply.
Jim drove the truck for the store. He had gome to Terryvile and did not come for luach. Little Jim care in, swallowed his food, and was off. It was cold, so Lizzie kept the woodstove going smartly. She held little Bessie in her arms and rocked back and forth. All day she had not eaten, but she was not hungry. She rocked back and forth . . .
. . . they got It down in the brush on the other side of the branch . . . they took It into the woods . .. at dark they tied It to a car and dragged It back to the town . . . at the square they piled up a huge bonfire . . .
. . . Jirn had helped by bringing crates from the store . . .
. . . they had cut parts of It away. . . .
. . . Jim had something black in a handkerchief . . .
. . . then they put what was left of It on the fire . . . Their house was quite a way from the square, but she had heard the shouting. Every house around was emptied . . .
. . . once her brother had had an argument with another man. They fought, and pulled knives)on each other. Both were cut pretty badly, and they feared the other man would die. But she never shrank from her brother after that. All hot words and anger. He did bot shout, crazy. Afterward he did not brag . . .
. . . they did not fight It . . . they caught It like an animal in the brush . . . if It had been an animal they would have killed It at once . . . but This they took in the woods . . . before they killed It outright they cut off Its fingers and toes . . .
I sense a little accent just from the way she talks and her slang
when they had said if it was an animal I don’t think they would have cared due to them treating them like animals, I wanted to understand why they needed to cut off the person’s fingers and toes
.
It sounds like you are describing a very horrific incident, and it is important to recognize the history of violence and racism against Black people in our country. This text is clearly describing an inequitable treatment of a Black person, which has been tragically common throughout our nation’s history. Any kind of mistreatment based on skin color is unacceptable and must be exposed in order to confront and correct it. I am wondering what you hope to achieve with this text and what you find most important for readers to consider.
. . . Jim had something black in a handkerchief . . .
why did they repeat this line exactly in paragraphs 24 and 28?
This line is important because it is the only direct reference to the central mystery on which the text is based. It presents me with a clue that suggests that there is something suspicious about Jim’s activities. The mystery of what Jim has in the handkerchief provides suspense and intrigue which helps to drive the plot forward.
what is Jim hiding and why? How does his secret affect the other characters in the story? Why does he carry it around in a handkerchief?
She put the child back in bed and went out in the yard to pump some water. She leaned her hot face against the porch post. In the dark by the fence something moved. It came nearer.
“Mis’ Lizzie? O my Gawd, Mis’ Lizzie! Dey burned me out las’ night. Ah bin hidin’ in de shacks by de railroad. Waitin’ fo’ de dahk. You allays good to us po’ cullud people. Hope yo’ Jim put me in de truck an’ take me to Terryville tonight. Tell ‘im he’p me, Mis’ Lizzie, tell ‘im he’p me!”
Yeah I agree, I pointed out their accent earlier
I wrote this passage with the intention of conveying the character’s distinct speech pattern to add realism and humor. I wanted to make sure the reader understood what the character was saying, while also getting a chuckle out of their amazing ability to misunderstand and the effort it takes to comprehend.
Some of the lines I wrote that I want you to really take in are: “It was funny how you can completely misread it, even though it’s just a southern accent it sounds different when spoken,” and “the effort it takes to comprehend.” I was trying to communicate that there are differences between how we hear words spoken and how they look when written, and that often times, understanding a different accent is a challenge.
Ultimately, I want you to think about how language is not just about the words we use, but also how we express ourselves. Thinking about this can really open up your own self-expression, and help you to recognize and appreciate differences in the way we communicate. It can help you to connect with others more deeply.
So what do you think? Has this passage helped you to better understand why the character’s dialect is complicated to read? Can you relate it to any experiences you have had when communicating with others? How has this made you think differently about language and the way we communicate? I’m eager to hear from you!
She could only stare at her. The voice of the black woman seemed far away, lost in the shouting in her head.
Their home was quite a way from the square, but she had heard the shouting.
The voice of the black woman seemed to go away altogether. So Lizzie went inside and began supper.
Soon after, Jir came home and ate his supper. He was weary and dour. As soon as he was through he went to bed, and the boy, too.
Lizzie sat by the fire. Little Bessie was better and sleeping soundly.
. . . if Jim had not been so tired he would have come to her. . .
. . . he did not yet know she was going to have another child. This child, and little Bessie, and little Jim, had a father who helped catch a Thing in the brush . . . and cut off the quivering flesh. It seemed that all the men in the town had thought this a good thing to do. The women, too. They had all gone down to the square. . .
. . . little Jim was like his father. The other day he had spoken sharp to her. As big Jim so often did. He said she was too soft and finicky for her own good. Most boys were like Jim. When little Bessie grew up, she would marry a boy like this.
. . . when little Bessie grew up . . .
. . . some boy who could touch her soft, fair flesh at night, and go forth into the day to hunt a Thing in the brush, and hack at Its flesh alive . . .
. .
Yes, and Lizzie must feel powerless about it all. She feels like she has no control over the situation and her heart aches for those being hunted.
The 45 second, viral-worthy TikTok video begins with a closeup shot of a young woman, her lips slightly parted with a suggested hint of fear in her expression. A faint rustling sound is heard in the background, conjuring feelings of unease and suspense within the viewer. The next shot transitions to a black silhouette of a tall figure – Jim – emerging from the trees, the light of the moon illuminating his faint outline. A pounding, foreboding beat then bursts into the soundscape, and the video transitions to a shot of the woman’s face, her expression gradually morphing into that of terror as she clasps her hands – her fear becoming increasingly palpable. The scene then transitions to a montage of the silhouette of Jim emerging from the trees in slow-motion, intercut with shots of the woman cowering away in response. As the beat builds and the tension peaks, the video cuts to a surprise ending – a closeup of the woman watching the silhouette from afar, her expression softened, and viewers are left with the question – is she afraid of Jim?
. .
TBH, Lizzie probably has other plans in mind for Bessie’s future than marrying a rugged outdoorsman. I mean, like, omg, that would make for a pretty weird, if not funny, life. Nevertheless, if that’s what she wants, then we can totally respect that. I mean, like, if Bessie wants to marry someone like that, then I guess we can help lmao.
Lizzie looked and looked at the child. She remembered things which she had thought were true when she was a child. She was a woman now, and she knew that these things were not true. But she had thought they were true when she was a child.
Yo, this paragraph is so legit! I love the way the author used language when describing how Lizzie grew up, like when they say “She was a woman now, and she knew that these things were not true.” It’s like, with that simple line, Lizzie’s whole journey is told in just a couple words. Another great line is when the author wrote “But she had thought they were true when she was a child.” It emphasizes her change in perspective and reminds us that our view of the world can and will evolve.
If those words don’t get you to slow down and actually appreciate how vital words can be, then I don’t know what will! Take a minute to appreciate how the author was able to convey a powerful message with just a few simple sentences and reread the paragraph again to truly immerse yourself in the words and capture the feeling of growth. By taking the time to do this, you can appreciate the beauty of language and its power to tell stories!
The fire in the stove went down, then out. She made no effort to replenish it. Toward morning she went to the table drawer and took something out. She went in the other room and looked down on the uncouth figures of the sprawling man and boy. It was over the boy that she finally bent, but she straightened at once, remenabering that the man and the boy were one. So she turned to the little girl, and the lifted blade of steel did not gleam anymore.
Maya:
“My soul can feel the truth –
learning is the plan that makes our future bloom.
Growth is not a measure of time,
But the courage and determination of will and mind.”
Angela:
“Education is the foundation of a healthy and vibrant society –
it’s not just a path to a better life, but a chance to create a world that works for everyone.”
Toni:
“We must cultivate a culture of learning, allow our hearts to remain open, and to honor the wisdom that has been passed down to us from our ancestors. When we nurture our growth, we can craft a future of abundance and joy.”
This sentence is important because it reveals a shift in the tone of the text – from a more threatening or menacing one to a more merciful one. It provides a contrast between the danger of the blade and the mercy of the woman. By lifting the blade, the woman is imparting a sense of safety and release from the pressure of the moment.
“Choose the path that will bring you joy,” she said.
This sentence is important because it captures the message of the piece – to make choices that bring joy and fulfillment. It reminds the reader of the larger lesson in the text, that in the face of difficult decisions, it is important to remember the overarching goal of finding joy in life.
“Be brave, little one,” she said.
This sentence is important because it reflects the caring nature of the woman. By encouraging the little girl to be brave, she is showing her belief in the child’s capacity to make good choices. It also suggests a sense of trust between the two, with the woman believing that the girl can make the right decision given the circumstances.
To understand the text on a deeper level, one should have a background knowledge about the context of the story, and the motivations of the characters. We should also understand the dichotomy between the pressure of the imminent danger of the blade and the comfort of the woman’s words of wisdom and support in order to better appreciate the contrast between those two elements.
To get the most out of the text, re-read it a few times while considering the context, the motivations, and the contrast between the danger and comfort within the piece. Pay attention to details to see whether there is anything else that you can uncover.
Jim had had a good rest and awakened early. He found the bodies, already cold.
When the shock of the first terror let him fund his voice, he declared he would kill with his own hands every black man, woman, and child within a hundred miles of the town. But the sheriff made him see that it was not murder. All this she had done with her own hand
I wrote this passage to get readers to think about injustice and to raise awareness against the racism that was apparent in this story. In this passage, Jim was representing the mindset of a lot of prejudiced people who were quick to lash out at members of minority communities without actual proof. My hope is to get readers to consider the need to be open-minded and not base their assumptions and judgements on stereotypes.
There are two important quotes that I want readers to pay careful attention to. The first is, “He would have shot any black person he saw.” This quote serves as a reminder of the kind of rage and hatred aimed at those of another race. It’s a stark example of how one justification can be used to target a whole community.
The second quote is, “But there had been no investigation into the matter.” This line leaves readers to realize the lack of due process and the likelihood that those that were innocent were referred to as guilty in the eyes of the law.
It is clear that this story is about more than just what Jim thought. It speaks to an underlying issue of prejudice and injustice that needs to be addressed. I want readers to reflect on this text and apply it to their understanding of how unfairness persists in our society today.
So, what are you thinking? What connections can you make to other experiences from the real world? Do you have any thoughts on how to make a change and stand up against these kinds of injustices?
“She didn’t touch me, ner the boy. When they go mad like this, sometires they wipes out all.”
Out in the yard Allie Sneed said to an awestruck group, “I knew it was somethin’ wrong with her when she held back from seein’ the burnin’. A rare, uncommon sight, that, and she hid in her house missin’ it!”
It’s crazy to see how accepted killing people is in this society, especially if it’s only for one race of people. If there was anything wrong with Lizzie, I would say it’s because she killed herself and her daughter, not because she didn’t go to see the burning…
This line of text introduces the theme of racism and the idea of violence as a source of power for marginalized people. It implies that the white girl had difficulty processing the magnitude of the event, which demonstrates the many complexities of race in the United States.
“The white folks screamed a lot and weren’t happy”
This sentence shows the tension between those with privilege and those without, and the fear and anger created by witnessing a lynching. It also further emphasizes the brutal nature of the racial divide that existed at the time and the violent acts of oppression that were used to uphold that divide.
“But down at the crossroads all the brothers stood tall”
The idea of a crossroads sets the scene for the event that day and suggests a connection between this scene and a deep, spiritual energy. This sentence emphasizes the collective strength of the black community in this moment and highlights the bravery of the individuals present.
" Talkin’ ’bout the day of justice had arrived”
This final sentence suggests that the event, while painful, was not in vain. It implies that the violence in this moment carries a message of hope and change for the future.
By understanding the social context of the time, we can gain a deeper understanding of the text. This includes knowledge of the history of racism in the United States and the fight against white supremacy, as well as the power dynamics of privilege and oppression. These all contribute to the power and tension of the text.
I invite you to re-read this text and look for additional symbols, themes, and ideas present in the text. Let me know in a reply what else you find and how it contributes to your understanding of the text.
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