Login Create Account
 
Power Your Document

Ishmael Reed's "Mumbo Jumbo"


Ishmael Reed's "Mumbo Jumbo"
An analysis and discussion of the approach and technique Ishmael Reed employs in his novel, "Mumbo Jumbo".
2,217 words (approx. 8.9 pages) | 6 sources | MLA | 2005 United States


Paper Summary:

This paper describes the approach Ishmael Reed took to write his novel, "Mumbo Jumbo" and then presents an analysis of the novel's main characters. The paper also discusses Reed's use of cinematic techniques in writing "Mumbo Jumbo" and explains that the central purpose of the novel is to present a paranoid theory explaining all of history, from ancient Egypt to the present day, in terms of a struggle between two opposing camps.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Ishmael Reed's Approach
Main Characters
Mumbo Jumbo as a the Voo Doo Theory of History
Anachronism in the Novel
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo (1972), his third and, perhaps, best novel, is an improvisation on the conventional detective narrative. Set in Harlem during the 1920s, the novel ingeniously employs cinematic techniques to juxtapose fact and fiction, ancient and modern history. It follows the cyclical path of HooDoo detectives PaPa LaBas and Black Herman in tracking down the Western conspiracy to destroy the creative spirit and vitality of man, which Reed calls Jes Grew, and to supplant it with the repressive order of Western civilization, whose museums are Centers of Art Detention for the treasures from Africa, Asia, and South America."

Cite this paper

APA Citation:

Ishmael Reed's "Mumbo Jumbo" (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-Ishmael-Reed's-Mumbo-Jumbo/65051

MLA Citation:

"Ishmael Reed's "Mumbo Jumbo"" 15 January 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-Ishmael-Reed's-Mumbo-Jumbo/65051>




ATTENTION:

Your browser does not have cookies enabled.

Our shopping cart will not function properly.
Downloadable version: $ 41.95
ADD TO CART »
You will be able to download, read and edit this file once you buy this document
Shopping Cart
Currency:
AcaDemon.com is that one place
Published by:

Patricia US
Publisher Since:
Feb 21, 2001
Ph.D. in English Education
Seller Assistance
Share Our Success