Plum Bun
Major Themes:
- Loneliness
- Rejection
- Maturity
- Growth
- Identity
- Community
- White Privilege
After analyzing Plum Bun, one must grapple with Angela’s initial decision to leave her family in an attempt to better herself while keeping in mind white privilege as well as other societal constructs. Was it a decision centered around hope for freedom or a decision centered around ignorance and greed? As she began to come to the realizations of the life she chose, she struggles with loneliness, heartache, and a longing for some sense of companionship, particularly with her sister Jenny, whom she willingly gave up for the life of passing she desired.
On her continuous search for identity and happiness, Angela is constantly hearing her mother's voice in her head reciting; “Life is more important than colour.” (Fauset, 333). Although she did not agree with her mother about this for a long time, life experience harshly taught her how much truth this sentence held. As she comes to terms with this, she gradually accepts herself for who she is. This growth and maturation process undergone by Angela is highly relatable to every reader.
It was pleasing to see Angela’s satisfaction at the end of the novel, but it is essential to ponder over what you would personally do if you were placed in the same situation as Angela. After Angela was toyed with by Roger, she falls in love with another man named Anthony, who is also secretly passing as a white individual. However, since Anthony is engaged to Virginia, Angela can’t be with Anthony. Maybe Angela’s happiness is dependent on finding someone or something for satisfaction, but in finding one’s self it seems many people struggle in this same way. It is undoubtedly an integral part of growing as a person. It is a sign that Angela has come to terms with who she is when she realizes her situation does not have to define her, but she can be happy, successful, and loved without having to sacrifice her identity.
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