The Marrow of Tradition: Racism and Resilience in the South
About this audiobook
In the aftermath of the Wilmington massacre of 1898, Dr. John Washington, a well-respected Black man, faces an unforgiving world where the brutal realities of racism and violence threaten to shatter his dreams. In The Marrow of Tradition, Charles Waddell Chesnutt unravels the complex threads of race, class, and identity in the post-Reconstruction South. This gripping tale dives deep into the struggles of a community grappling with the specter of white supremacy, revealing how the insidious nature of Jim Crow laws shapes lives and stifles hope.
Through the eyes of characters like the ambitious Washington and the cunning white supremacist McBane, listeners will witness the clash of ideals and the desperate fight for dignity amidst chaos. Chesnutt's powerful narrative captures the harsh realities of miscegenation and gender dynamics, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of change. Each character's journey is a poignant exploration of resilience, as they navigate a landscape riddled with fear and oppression.
As tensions rise and allegiances shift, will Dr. Washington find a way to rise above the turmoil, or will the forces of hatred and division prevail? The Marrow of Tradition invites listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while illuminating the enduring spirit of those who dare to challenge the status quo. Join this harrowing yet inspiring journey through history and humanity that resonates powerfully even today.
- 39 Chapters
- 10 hr 2 min Total runtime
- English Language
- Books, Fiction, Drama Genres
- 22 Aug 2026 Published
Chapters
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0:52
Trailer
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19:20
Preface and Chapter 1: At Break of Day
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27:59
Chapter 2: The Christening Party
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22:16
Chapter 3: The Editor At Work
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14:21
Chapter 4: Theodore Felix
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27:49
Chapter 5: A Journey Southward
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7:35
Chapter 6: Janet
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19:52
Chapter 7: The Operation
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8:49
Chapter 8: The Campaign Drags
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15:37
Chapter 9: The White Man's "Nigger"
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18:23
Chapter 10: Delamere Plays A Trump
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9:00
Chapter 11: The Baby And The Bird
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11:00
Chapter 12: Another Southern Product
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13:19
Chapter 13: The Cake Walk
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15:11
Chapter 14: The Maunderings Of Old Mrs. Ochiltree
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13:11
Chapter 15: Mrs. Carteret Seeks An Explanation
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24:18
Chapter 16: Ellis Takes A Trick
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21:57
Chapter 17: The Social Aspirations Of Captain McBane
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8:20
Chapter 18: Sandy Sees his Own Ha'nt
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6:03
Chapter 19: A Midnight Walk
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9:29
Chapter 20: A Shocking Crime
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11:08
Chapter 21: The Necessity Of An Example
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14:51
Chapter 22: How Not To Prevent A Lynching
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10:21
Chapter 23: Belleview
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14:02
Chapter 24: Two Southern Gentlemen
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11:14
Chapter 25: The Honor Of A Family
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10:42
Chapter 26: The Discomfort Of Ellis
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25:29
Chapter 27: The Vagaries Of The Higher Law
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20:47
Chapter 28: In Season And Out
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11:03
Chapter 29: Mutterings Of The Storm
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25:51
Chapter 30: The Missing Papers
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11:53
Chapter 31: The Shadow Of A Dream
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19:01
Chapter 32: The Storm Breaks
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12:58
Chapter 33: Into The Lion's Jaws
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8:15
Chapter 34: The Valley Of The Shadow
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23:28
Chapter 35: Mine Enemy, Oh Mine Enemy
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22:11
Chapter 36: Fiat Justitia
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13:36
Chapter 37: The Sisters
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20:47
Chapter 28: In Season And Out
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