One main theme explored by August in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is the search for identity. This can be seen as Herald Loomis, having served seven years in prison and in search of his wife, joins migrating African Americans in search for a better life. Loomis must clear the obstacles blocking him from continuing down the “road” of opportunity and freedom. Another theme explored by August is the end of slavery. Due to World War 1, a large demand for factory workers was in place, so hundreds of thousands of African American workers departed from the plantations and became free, legal citizens in the residence they desired. They were no subject to strict rules and regulations set by farm and slave owners. One more theme explored by August in Joe
