Throughout history, humanity has evolved and changed its social norms and what is considered acceptable. While prohibiting violence and attempting to outlaw prejudice, one factor stays the same: patriarchy, the favoritism and hierarchy of men. In the novel Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan, a blues band of three African-American men face challenges as they navigate through Nazi-controlled Germany in the 1940s. They meet Delilah Brown, who helps them escape Germany with little recognition from the band. Through the character Delilah Brown in Half-Blood Blues, Edugyan presents an accurate portrayal of the struggles and complications women face in a patriarchal society. Delilah’s character shows the villainization of women due to their sexuality
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It ain’t keeping you up. I guess Armstrong’s girl’s not the only singer around here.it sounds a bit like her. Dame Delilah the Second.” (Edugyan 96) The cat being named after Delilah alludes to her being portrayed as a burden to the band and being unwanted by them. Delilah's influence drives Sid to mistrust Hiero, ultimately leading to his betrayal. This is shown during the documentary Chip and Sid were watching where Chip says, "To betray such a genius musician, and a kid at that, over a woman. Over the kid’s talents, and over a woman" (Edugyan 52) Delilah’s name can relate to the legend of Samson and Delilah. Samson, a powerful figure, is weakened by his temptress, Delilah, after she betrays him. Sid's betrayal of Hiero due to his jealousy towards Delilah reflects this relationship. Although, it's important to recognize that the author portrays Delilah as a temptress without any cruel intentions. The disrespect and false accusations Delilah endures in Half-Blood Blues show the challenges faced by women in today's patriarchal …show more content…
When talking to Delilah, the men in the story rarely use her full name. They often refer to her by using words like, “Lilah”. You are here, girl? (Edugyan 133) Calling Delilah by a nickname or calling her “girl” is demeaning towards her because it takes away from her worth and importance to the band showing the unfair concept that women are lesser than men. Delilah’s personal life is near nonexistent. There is a time in the novel where the reader is given information about where Delilah comes from, but it is based upon Louis Armstrong and how she needed him to be successful. Talking to Sid about Armstrong, Delilah says, “Lou discovered me.he just was the one who knew what to do with me. He taught me how to sing.” (Edugyan 108) The fact that Armstrong was that crucial in starting Delilah’s career shows the power that men have over women in society. Additionally, Delilah becoming a manager instead of a singer shows the lack of opportunity that is given to women and the societal norm that women should be in supportive positions instead of the actual musician. Delilah’s only interaction with another woman happens when she's trying to get papers for the band to leave. After Simone helps her, Delilah tells Sid, "It’s starting.Sid? It’s really going to happen" (Edugyan 263), showing her excitement for the band's success in receiving their papers. The male characters have
It ain’t keeping you up. I guess Armstrong’s girl’s not the only singer around here.it sounds a bit like her. Dame Delilah the Second.” (Edugyan 96) The cat being named after Delilah alludes to her being portrayed as a burden to the band and being unwanted by them. Delilah's influence drives Sid to mistrust Hiero, ultimately leading to his betrayal. This is shown during the documentary Chip and Sid were watching where Chip says, "To betray such a genius musician, and a kid at that, over a woman. Over the kid’s talents, and over a woman" (Edugyan 52) Delilah’s name can relate to the legend of Samson and Delilah. Samson, a powerful figure, is weakened by his temptress, Delilah, after she betrays him. Sid's betrayal of Hiero due to his jealousy towards Delilah reflects this relationship. Although, it's important to recognize that the author portrays Delilah as a temptress without any cruel intentions. The disrespect and false accusations Delilah endures in Half-Blood Blues show the challenges faced by women in today's patriarchal …show more content…
When talking to Delilah, the men in the story rarely use her full name. They often refer to her by using words like, “Lilah”. You are here, girl? (Edugyan 133) Calling Delilah by a nickname or calling her “girl” is demeaning towards her because it takes away from her worth and importance to the band showing the unfair concept that women are lesser than men. Delilah’s personal life is near nonexistent. There is a time in the novel where the reader is given information about where Delilah comes from, but it is based upon Louis Armstrong and how she needed him to be successful. Talking to Sid about Armstrong, Delilah says, “Lou discovered me.he just was the one who knew what to do with me. He taught me how to sing.” (Edugyan 108) The fact that Armstrong was that crucial in starting Delilah’s career shows the power that men have over women in society. Additionally, Delilah becoming a manager instead of a singer shows the lack of opportunity that is given to women and the societal norm that women should be in supportive positions instead of the actual musician. Delilah’s only interaction with another woman happens when she's trying to get papers for the band to leave. After Simone helps her, Delilah tells Sid, "It’s starting.Sid? It’s really going to happen" (Edugyan 263), showing her excitement for the band's success in receiving their papers. The male characters have