Summary Of Sweet Potato Pie By Eugenia Collier
Eugenia Collier is a renowned African American writer who has written many short stories, essays, and novels. One of her famous short stories is "Sweet Potato Pie," which was first published in 1973, in a literary magazine called Negro Digest. The story revolves around a young girl named Sister Johnson and her family, who live in a small town in the southern United States. The story is set during the Thanksgiving season, and the family is preparing for a big feast.
The Plot
The story begins with Sister Johnson's mother, who is preparing sweet potato pies for Thanksgiving. Sister Johnson is excited about the pies because she loves them, and they are a tradition in their family. Sister Johnson's mother tells her that she is not allowed to have any of the pies until after dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Sister Johnson is disappointed but accepts her mother's decision.
As the story progresses, we learn that Sister Johnson's family is poor, and they struggle to make ends meet. Sister Johnson's father is a factory worker, and her mother works as a domestic servant. Despite their financial struggles, the family is close-knit, and they support each other.
On Thanksgiving Day, Sister Johnson's mother sends her to the store to buy some last-minute items for the feast. While at the store, Sister Johnson sees a white family buying a sweet potato pie. She becomes angry and frustrated because she knows her family cannot afford to buy a pie. Sister Johnson decides to steal the pie and bring it home to her family.
The Themes
The story explores various themes, including poverty, family, tradition, and the importance of honesty. The Johnson family is poor, but they are rich in love and support for each other. They value their traditions, such as making sweet potato pies for Thanksgiving, and they work hard to maintain these traditions. The story also highlights the importance of honesty and the consequences of stealing.
The Characters
The main character, Sister Johnson, is a young girl who is eager to have some sweet potato pie. She is disappointed when her mother tells her she cannot have any until after dinner, but she accepts her mother's decision. Sister Johnson is also a caring and responsible child who helps her family in any way she can.
Sister Johnson's mother is a strong and hardworking woman who takes care of her family despite their financial struggles. She is also strict and teaches her children the importance of honesty and hard work.
Sister Johnson's father is a factory worker who works long hours to support his family. He is a loving and caring father who takes pride in his family and their traditions.
The Conclusion
"Sweet Potato Pie" is a heartwarming story that highlights the importance of family, tradition, and honesty. The story is set during the Thanksgiving season, a time when families come together to celebrate and give thanks. It reminds us that even in difficult times, we can find joy and happiness in the love and support of our families.
