Jean Toomer was an American poet and novelist of the early 20th century whose work drew from many different sources, most famously the oral histories, myths, and legends of African-American life He was born into an interracial family, and his use of the African-American vernacular to craft his work was what allowed him to transcend the racial barriers of his time and establish himself as an author of immense literary talent.
The very best examples of Jean Toomer’s work demonstrate the complexity and depth of his oeuvre.
1. Cane: Considered Toomer’s magnum opus, this collection of stories and poems is set in the rural South and uses the African-American folklore of the region to create a unique authorial voice. This book is an honest testament to the struggles and joys of the rural African-American experience, and it is considered a pioneering work of literature by many.
2. “Harvest Song”: This poem, found in the collection Cane, paints a vivid picture of rural African-American life in the face of racial prejudice. The imagery and symbolism of the work display both the beauty of life and the sorrows of racism.
3. “Song of the Son”: Inspired by Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”, this poem from Cane is a pitch-perfect representation of Toomer’s unique style. It is both a call to arms and a declaration of self-determination, and the use of the vernacular makes it a truly captivating work.
4. The Collected Poems of Jean Toomer: This compilation of work serves as a testament to the breadth and range of Toomer’s work. It includes a selection of his most popular poems, as well as some lesser-known works that may have been lost were it not for this compilation.
5. “Smoke”: This poem from the collection Cane paints an enigmatic yet captivating portrait of life in the rural South. With vivid imagery and allusions to African-American spirituals, this is a powerful example of Toomer’s use of the vernacular.
Jean Toomer’s work is an invaluable contribution to the world of literature and his legacy lives on in the works of the many authors he influenced. These five examples of his work are among his most beloved and serve as proof of Toomer’s brilliance as a poet, novelist, and storyteller.