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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Essay

937 Words4 Pages

In August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, the stabbing of Toledo by Levee is a pivotal moment that unveils deeper themes of racial oppression and religious turmoil. Set in the 1920s, Wilson's play dives into the lives of Black musicians struggling against systemic racism. The question I asked after finishing this work was, how does Levee stabbing Toledo in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom reflect themes of racial oppression within the context of religion in the 1920s? What I noticed through research and the text was how Levee’s act showcases his internal resentment towards racial oppression, exemplified through themes of religion in the play. Through the character of Levee, Wilson explores the intersection of race, powerlessness, and religion, revealing …show more content…

That’s why I’m a fan! God ain’t listened to no prayers. God take a prayers and throw them in the garbage. God don’t pay no mind. In fact. God hates you! Hate them will all the fury in his heart. Jesus don’t love you! Jesus hates your black ass!” (pg. 98) which escalates to the final event of him stabbing Toledo. Levee's rejection of Christianity as a "white man's God" sets the stage for the climax where he stabs Toledo because it illustrates his deep-seated anger and defiance against the oppressive forces represented by religion. This rejection not only challenges the beliefs of his bandmates but also symbolizes his rebellion against the societal structures that have marginalized and oppressed Black people. It ultimately leads to a violent confrontation, showcasing the culmination of Levee's frustration and the tragic consequences of his resistance. In "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," August Wilson skilfully combines themes of racial oppression and religious uncertainty through the character of Levee. Levee's violent act against Toledo reflects the broader struggles faced by Black individuals in asserting their agency within a white-dominated

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