In Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall, Avey Johnson, a wealthy 64-year-old widow from New York, impulsively abandons a Caribbean cruise early and travels to Grenada after experiencing a series of unsettling events, including a dream about her great-aunt and an overwhelming feeling during a meal. In Grenada, she learns about the Carriacou Excursion and, following memories of her late husband and their past life, joins the islanders’ traditional Big Drum dance. This journey prompts her to reconnect with her heritage, leading to a profound spiritual and cultural awakening.

Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and rich cultural exploration. Critics laud the poignant, introspective journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it's celebrated for its profound narrative and deep emotional impact on themes of heritage and identity.

Readers who appreciate Praisesong For The Widow by Paule Marshall enjoy character-driven narratives exploring cultural heritage, identity, and personal transformation. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and Toni Morrison's Beloved will find similar emotional depth and rich, evocative prose.

Contemplative / Emotional / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Inspirational

- Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall explores the theme of cultural identity and the African diaspora, often drawing on Afro-Caribbean rhythms and traditions for inspiration and structure.
- Paule Marshall is known for her rich use of language, often weaving African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and Caribbean dialects into her narratives, providing an authentic voice for her characters.
- The novel won the Before Columbus Foundation's American Book Award in 1984, which recognizes outstanding literary achievement across all cultures in America.

**Avey Johnson**  
A 64-year-old widow from New York who was raised in Harlem and spent childhood summers on a small island in South Carolina with her great-aunt. She embarks on cruises annually after her husband's death and begins to reassess her cultural inheritance and identity.  

**Jerome Johnson**  
Avey's late husband, referred to as Jay, who worked diligently to improve their living conditions and became consumed by the pursuit of material success, leading to a change in his demeanor.

**Thomasina**  
A slightly older travel companion of Avey's, known for her light skin and past as a dancer at the Cotton Club, whose interactions with Avey highlight societal issues surrounding colorism.

**Clarice**  
Avey's travel companion and long-time colleague, who is the youngest of the trio and carries the weight of personal hardships, reflecting on themes of colorism and self-image.

**Marion**  
The youngest child of Avey and Jerome, originally unplanned, who becomes significant for her contrasting views with Avey on civil rights and cultural heritage.

Paule Marshall

Adult

Novel

Of the Diaspora

Fiction

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Praisesong For The Widow Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Runagate”

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Praisesong For The Widow Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Praisesong For The Widow Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Sleeper’s Wake”

Part 2, Chapters 1-3

Praisesong For The Widow Part 2, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-5

Praisesong For The Widow Part 2, Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Lavé Tête”

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

Praisesong For The Widow Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-6

Praisesong For The Widow Part 3, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Beg Pardon”

Part 4, Chapters 1-3

Praisesong For The Widow Part 4, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Praisesong For The Widow Character Analysis

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Themes

Praisesong For The Widow Themes

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Praisesong For The Widow Symbols & Motifs

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Praisesong For The Widow Important Quotes

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Praisesong For The Widow Essay Topics

Praisesong For The Widow

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