Allusion #1

Edward P. Jones has three collections of short stories. One of his most recent collections is called “All Aunt Hagar’s Children and Other Short Stories”. The title of this book and the same reference of this passage in the book is an allusion to the Bible. It is also a symbol of hope for people who have nothing. 

Hagar is found in the book of Genesis. She was a handmaid to Sarah. Sarah gives Hagar to her husband, Abraham to produce an heir. It is only after Sarah gives birth to a son that Sarah becomes resentful of having Hagar and her son, Ishmael around. Abraham banishes Hagar and her son, Ishmael once a true blood line is established. Genesis 21 verse 17 says:  “And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.” God did find favor in Hagar and her son because of their circumstance. God protected them and allowed Ishmael to prosper even after their banishment.

Hagar has become a symbol for African American especially during times of slavery. It is evident in the Book of Galatians that Hagar is associated with slavery. Galatians 4 verse 24 says: “Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.” Hagar is a symbol of God’s forgotten children. People use her as a symbol of hope.

Edward P. Jones uses the passage “All Aunt Hagar’s Children” in two different short stories in this collection. The first time he use it is in the title story of the book. The character, Aunt Penny uses the passage to reinforce the ideas that all people matter.  Aunt Penny is trying to persuade her nephew to do some detective work to find the murderer of his cousin. The passage reads: “One more colored boy outa their hair. It’s a shame before God, the way they do all Aunt Hagar’s children. (pg. 106)” The nephew throughout the story is struggling with self-importance over family responsibilities. The allusion of the Bible and the theme contained therein about forgiveness plays an important role in this story. The conclusion of the story leaves the reader with unanswered questions. Will the family forgive the daughter in law for murdering Ike? But we do know that the nephew acquires a greater appreciation for his family than he had at the beginning of the story and that his ties are strengthened.

The next time this passage appears is in the story Common Law. “She thought all Aunt Hagar’s children deserved a place in the ground (pg. 223).” Grandma Judy uses the passage to justify burying her husband after she murders him.  Jones restates this idea that all people matter. Here is the case of an abusive husband, who is murdered by his beaten wife, deserving to have a proper burial no matter what he did in his lifetime. The whole story builds Grandma Judy up as an upstanding woman of the community. This idea of “what is good” and “what is evil” is a mini allusion to the Bible in the story. God gave man a set of commandments stating in Deuteronomy 5 verse 17 “Thou shalt not kill.” So this idea that all people matter verses good and evil are somewhat conflicting in this work.

I was amazed to see what a powerful affect she has had on the world. I read about her in the book of Genesis but she is not a dominate presents. I briefly made note of her when her name came back up while reading this collection but had not idea of the profound affect she has had to slaves and African Americans as a whole. Hagar has become such an inspiration to millions over the years. She seemed like such a meager character when I first read about her, and now my view point on her has completely transformed.  I gather that basically people try to live the best way they can. That we can’t control the hand we are dealt in life but we can control how we deal with it. Everyone needs hope.  Hagar is an amazing example of life and hope.