The Street: The Narrows, Loa 314 Library of America

Ann Petry's classic novel, The Street, is a powerful and moving portrait of the challenges and triumphs of African Americans living in Harlem in the 1940s and 1950s. The novel follows the story of Lutie Johnson, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet and provide a better life for her son. Through Lutie's experiences, Petry explores the themes of race, class, and gender, and the ways in which they intersect to shape the lives of African Americans.

Ann Petry: The Street, The Narrows (LOA #314) (Library of America)

by Ann Petry

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1426 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	782 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The novel opens with Lutie and her son Bub living in a small apartment on 116th Street in Harlem. Lutie is working as a maid, but she is barely making enough money to cover the rent and put food on the table. Bub is a bright and curious boy, but he is often neglected as Lutie struggles to keep up with her work and her other responsibilities. One day, Lutie's landlord, Mr. Johnson, tries to evict her from her apartment for being late on her rent. Lutie refuses to leave, and she and Mr. Johnson have a confrontation that ends with Lutie throwing a bottle at him and hitting him in the head. Lutie is arrested and charged with assault, and she is sent to jail.

While Lutie is in jail, Bub is taken in by friends of Lutie's. However, Bub is not happy living with other people, and he eventually runs away. He ends up living on the streets of Harlem, where he is befriended by a group of other homeless children. Bub and his friends learn to survive on their own, but they are often hungry and cold. They also face danger from the police and other adults who see them as a threat.

After Lutie is released from jail, she sets out to find Bub. She eventually locates him living on the streets, and she is heartbroken to see how much he has changed. Lutie takes Bub home with her, and she vows to do everything she can to give him a better life. However, Lutie's struggles are far from over. She is still struggling to make ends meet, and she is also facing discrimination from her neighbors and from the police. Despite the challenges she faces, Lutie is determined to provide a better life for her son, and she never gives up hope.

The Street is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans living in Harlem in the mid-20th century. The novel is a classic of American literature, and it is still relevant today. The novel's themes of race, class, and gender are still relevant today, and the novel's message of hope and resilience is still inspiring.

The Historical Context of The Street

The Street was published in 1946, at a time when the United States was experiencing a period of social and economic change. The country was in the midst of the postwar boom, and the economy was growing rapidly. However, the benefits of the postwar boom were not evenly distributed, and African Americans continued to face discrimination and poverty. In Harlem, where The Street is set, the housing shortage was severe, and many African Americans were living in overcrowded and dilapidated conditions. The novel's depiction of the challenges faced by Lutie and her son is a reflection of the real-life experiences of many African Americans living in Harlem at the time.

The Literary Significance of The Street

The Street is a significant work of American literature for several reasons. First, the novel is one of the first major works of fiction by an African American woman. At the time of its publication, there were very few novels by African American women, and The Street helped to open the door for other African American writers. Second, the novel is a powerful and moving portrait of the lives of African Americans in Harlem in the mid-20th century. The novel's depiction of the challenges faced by Lutie and her son is a realistic and honest portrayal of the everyday lives of many African Americans at the time. Third, the novel is a well-written and engaging story. Petry's writing is clear and concise, and she creates characters that are both believable and sympathetic. The novel is a pleasure to read, and it is a work that will stay with readers long after they have finished it.

The Legacy of The Street

The Street has had a lasting impact on American literature. The novel is still taught in schools and universities today, and it has been adapted into a film and a television series. The novel has also been translated into several languages. The Street is a classic of American literature, and it is a work that continues to be relevant and inspiring today.

Ann Petry: The Street, The Narrows (LOA #314) (Library of America)

by Ann Petry

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1426 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	782 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE