Sassafras, Cypress, & Indigo, by Ntozake Shange, is an American novel that tells the story of three Afrifcan American sisters, as they attempt to reach success and fulfillment. The novel jumps between various narrative viewpoints through the 60’s and 70’s. The racially charged atmosphere of the time period provides a unique perspective on perseverance and comparative achievement. Throughout the text, Shange uses recurring actions/objects to invoke certain emotions upon the reader. Specifically, Indigo’s violin is utilized as a vessel to convey the importance of perseverance and expression, and as a constant reminder of creating a fulfilling life.
Even from the conception of the fiddle in Shange’s novel, it is clear that the instrument is not solely a method of creating pleasant sounding noise. When Uncle John is first teaching Indigo to play the fiddle, he simply asks Indigo to “…talk to us, girl” (34); this statement speaks volumes in terms of the importance of the literary representation of music in Sassafras, Cypress, & Indigo. Uncle Tom is essentially educating Indigo on the significance of music in African American culture. Tom makes it clear that music had represented not only livelihood, but also emotional communication in decades past; it is evident that Indigo takes this to heart in the text as she develops a unique relationship with a violin, which highlights a deep passion for music, and appreciation for the freedom of expression that comes with such an instrument.
Through her experiences in attempting to develop her passion, Indigo begins to understand fulfillment, and as she gets better, she begins to find her voice. In the beginning of the novel, playing the violin is seen as a bad thing; this provides an interesting juxtaposition to the discipline given in many privileged households (as one might think that musical interest should be encouraged), but in the context of Indigo’s character development, seems fitting. Due to Indigo’s lack of formal musical education, she is not too talented, and is asked by her mother to no longer play in the house. In a literary sense, Indigo’s violin is a representation of her voice, and her mothers rejection of the violin, is a representation of the created societal reflex to silence black female voices.
As the novel develops, Indigo develops a deeper relationship with music, she often visits the forest to “mimick[s] the jays and peckers”(96). In this scene, Indigo demonstrates her understanding of the importance of music and perseverance despite the fact. Indigo truly develops her voice and gains the ability to converse with nature and communicate her feelings. Through her music, Indigo learns to communicate her emotions effectively, while simultaneously respecting the traditions of her forefathers/foremothers, by doing the thing she loves.
How does music represent expression?
Are there other ways that this theme is demonstrated (other character’s journeys)?