Movies

Percival Everett Is Challenging the American Literary Canon

BBG News

Percival Everett insists that his fans may overestimate his intelligence. He meticulously researches the settings for his novels, but claims that all the knowledge he gains vanishes from his mind once each book is released. Essentially, he says, “I’m no smarter after completing a book than I was before starting it.” Years ago, frustrated by students asking if they were talented enough to get published, he led a class to a bookstore in Middlebury, VT, to demonstrate that he wasn’t exceptional. “Look around,” he advised them, “Anyone can be published. The question should be: ‘Are you good enough to make an impact?’

Through his recent work titled “James“, Everett has sparked a discussion by presenting a fresh take on the classic novel “Huckleberry Finn” from the viewpoint of the former slave character, Jim (now known as James). This narrative shift brings to light important themes such as race in the context of the American literary canon, and how we approach discussing America’s history with our children. However, when asked about the book’s influence just moments before receiving the National Book Award for fiction, Everett hesitates, saying, “If a reader is seeking any kind of message or solution from me about anything in the world, they are already in a predicament.

For numerous individuals, James has evolved into a valuable addition to Mark Twain’s literary works, often referred to as the foundation of all American literature, as stated by Ernest Hemingway. He shares that he has received a significant amount of mail from past and present English teachers expressing gratitude for enabling them to once again teach “Huckleberry Finn” effectively, as they can now pair it with James’ works. This is undoubtedly pleasing and flattering to him, but not entirely unexpected. The text remains problematic.

68-year-old Everett suggests that the canon should ideally not exist at all, but he hopes that people recognize the problems associated with elevating specific books above others. “I like to say, ‘The canon is biased,'” Everett quips. “The process of creating a canon is inherently flawed. It’s inevitably influenced by racism and sexism. The question is, who gets to decide which texts are essential?

In the original story, Jim primarily serves as Huck’s sidekick during their journey along the Mississippi. However, in Everett’s adaptation, Jim becomes the main character. James and other Black characters switch between languages when white people are present; but when alone, James challenges philosophers such as Voltaire for their offensive views on slavery. Everett explains, “It struck me that enslaved individuals were typically portrayed as simple-minded and superstitious, which was far from the truth. So, I decided to explore this idea.

Everett bestows upon James the ability to communicate via language, and it’s with a pilfered pencil shaving – a luxury that carries a heavy human toll – that James documents his adventures. As Everett points out, “He who holds sway over language, holds dominion over all. If one lacks a voice, they cannot express their desires or needs.

Known for his prolific work with two dozen novels under his belt, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Telephone,” Everett has traditionally resisted being pigeonholed into the category of African American literature. This is largely because his writing encompasses a wide range of genres, from gripping westerns to pieces reminiscent of Lifetime movies in style. As he puts it, “Any work of art stemming from this American culture inevitably addresses race. If there is no race portrayed, that too is a commentary on the subject.

The core theme of Erasure, a novel by Everett and one of his earliest and most renowned works, was adapted into the 2023 Oscar-winning film American Fiction. This story revolves around Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an author known for experimental novels with lackluster sales. In a fit of anger toward the publishing industry that seems to thrive on stereotypical Black fiction, Monk decides to write a novel about an illiterate gangster as a protest. To his dismay, the book becomes a success. Similarly, James is set for the big screen, with Steven Spielberg producing and Taika Waititi in discussions to direct. However, Everett sees this attention as “fleeting.” He remarks, “I’ll write another experimental novel next that nobody will comprehend,” implying that one must be out of their mind to pursue literary fiction for fame or wealth.

Read More

2025-02-06 16:08

Previous post James Argent and Girlfriend Nicoline Artursson Share Steamy Beach Day in Barbados!
Next post Brawl Stars Players Demand a Legendary Drop Buff – Can We Get Some Love?