Clara's Ole Man Analysis

During the 1960s many playwrights and authors refused to speak on situations involving urban America. Playwright Ed Bullins seemingly filled the void by writing about situations that were scarce in 1960s literature. For example, “Clara’s Ole Man” incorporated acts that were considered a part of black normality with unconventional courtship that was deemed sinful, even amongst African Americans. “Clara’s Ole Man” provided the readers with insight into the lives of nine individuals surviving in the “ghetto”. The short story also brought forth situations that reversed the gender roles. By shining light on a culture that was perceptibly ignored, Ed Bullins may be considered one of the greatest playwrights of his generation. Ed Bullins used …show more content…
Stoogie, Bama, and Hoss embodied the persona of everyday teenagers in the 1950s “ghetto”. Correspondingly they were involved in a gang and committing numerous crimes. The three young men became a product of the society in which they resided. However they possessed a value that was critical for surviving in the “ghetto”; they understood that the only way to survive was by taking care of your own people and protecting them by any means necessary. Although Stoogie, Bama, and Hoss seemed “hardcore” parts of the story insinuate that Big Girl is actually the ringleader of the group.
In “Clara’s Ole Man”, once the three young men came into the house they spoke to Big Girl with respect. They seemingly followed her lead in all of the conversations. Without resistance the young men told Big Girl of all of the activities they were involved in throughout that day. One of the most interesting parts of the story, relating to Big Girl’s dominance over the young men, is their eagerness to fight once they were told to by Big Girl. Big Girl’s relationship with Clara led to the altercation held by the young …show more content…
After expressing his feelings Big Girl proceeded to speak to him in a domineering way by telling him of the actual relationship she had with Clara. Big Girl’s reaction to Jack’s comment allows the reader to observe her true insecurities. As Jack stated “Clara’s ole man”, Big Girl decided that she had finally reached her level of tolerability for him. Being that she was a woman and Clara had spoken of her as her “ole man” allowed Big Girl to see a glimpse of how Clara felt about their relationship. Knowing that she could not provide her with things that were only feasible by men she may have developed self-esteem issues. Jack’s presence in the house sparked an anger in Big Girl that was undeniable to the readers. As she watched him interact with Clara she was reminded of the things she could not provide for her. She may have viewed their relationship as stable although it was