Short Story Spotlight: The Wife of His Youth

I'm currently reading The Picture of Dorian and it is the book I will talk about later (hopefully next week), but since I'm not done with it yet, I'm talking about a short story.

This story was chosen to go along with the upcoming Unfinished Business Series. It is a story I read in college and remembered for its racial themes. The Wife of His Youth was written by Charles W. Chesnutt, a black man born during slavery, though slavery ended when he was 9 years old. The short story is a reflection of racial identity and racial complexity in the Black community after the Civil War. The main character, Mr. Ryder, is a member of a group called The Blue Vein Society, who have appointed themselves the knowledgeable leaders of the Black community. Their supposed purpose is to improve Black lifestyles after the Emancipation, but truly the group is in place to elevate and separate the affluent Black professionals of mixed race from the poorer people of darker skin (only people that have visible blue veins are allowed in). It is an extension of the roles carried out during slavery (Black people of lighter skin given better opportunities than those of darker skin). Mr. Ryder, especially, believes in distancing oneself from the black race in favor for the white race because of the opportunities the latter can offer.

In the course of the story, Mr. Ryder is faced with a conundrum; to acknowledge his past or ignore it to maintain his social standing. I couldn't help but to make parallels between Mr. Ryder and Bill Cosby as I read. To be honest, I'm tired of talking about it and seeing others talk about it. For me, this is no longer about whether or not he has done what he is accused of, because I stand on the side of numerous victimized women, but Bill Cosby being accountable for his actions. Bill Cosby has been rather harsh in his opinion about the black family and youths so let's not idolize the man as we do his lovable television dad counterpart. Bill Cosby is being faced with the same choice of Mr. Ryder; to recognize past actions or ignore them.

But I digress back to the story...

A further description would take away from the simplistic, but moving way the story is told. The pleasure of reading the story is in the buildup and reveal. Initially I loved The Wife of His Youth because of the storytelling. It is the basic story structure done well and in a slightly different order. If you like, you can read the story here. Then come back to this post or email me (my email can be found in the editing services section) and tell me what you thought of it.

Don't forget to check out my editing services and Goodreads to see what's on the reading list. Add me as a friend.