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The Marrow of Tradition Study Guide

by Charles W. Chesnutt

The Marrow of Tradition study guide contains a biography of Charles W. Chesnutt, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The novel opens on the sickbed of Olivia Carteret. She is having a child, but the birth is coming early. Mammy Jane, the family's nurse, tells the doctor of the Carteret's family history and of how Olivia's father had a child with his servant. That child, Janet, is now married to a doctor in town and has a child of her own. Olivia's baby is born and named Dodie. The child has a small mole behind his ear, which Mammy Jane believes portends bad luck.

At Dodie's christening party, Old Mr. Delamere, his nephew Tom, Mrs. Polly Ochiltree, and the Carterets are served dinner by Mr. Delamere's servant Sandy. They have a conversation about the inferiority of the negro race and the idea of talking about the placement of money in the presence of a…

Read the full The Marrow of Tradition Summary

• The Marrow of Tradition Summary
• About The Marrow of Tradition
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-5
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 6-10
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 11-15
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 16-20
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 21-25
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 26-30
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 31-37
• A History of Lynching
• Related Links on The Marrow of Tradition
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 5
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Marrow of Tradition: Major Themes
• The Marrow of Tradition: E-Text
• The Marrow of Tradition: Questions
• The Marrow of Tradition: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Charles W. Chesnutt: Biography