The Conjure Man Dies Analysis

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The book The Conjure Man Dies: A Mystery Tale of Dark Harlem, was written by Rudolph Fisher in 1932. The tale is about a conjure-man, also known as Frimbo, that is supposedly found dead. At the beginning of the story a physician, John Archer, and a detective, Perry Dart try to put together evidence and clues to figure out who could have murdered him. They have many suspects that could be the murderer, based on different reasons and circumstances dealing with the conjurer. Many actually wanted him dead. As the story and investigations move on they narrow it down to a possibility of two people, Jinx Jenkins and Doty Hicks. Jenkins was put into jail, because his fingerprints were found on the weapon and his handkerchief was found down “Frimbo’s” throat. Later in the story Frimbo …show more content…
During this time many African-American people wanted to make sure their goals and priorities were in order. Perry Dart, from the novel, was one of the first detectives that Harlem had. John Archer was an physical. Frimbo had a bachelors degree from Harvard University and was a well-known pyschist in the area. The people of this era even made money making up their own “monkey-businesses”, such as Bubber Brown’s detective services that obtained evidence in affairs of the heart and paid special attention to cheaters and backbiters pg.48. Other characteristics of people in this time was the way they liked to dress. When women went to clubs and parties, they sometimes wore flashy dresses. “Her flame chiffon dress normally long and flowing, had been caught up bit by bit in her palms…pg.102.” Women who attended church wore “…costumes, individually and collectively, running the range of the rainbow; the men with derbies, canes, high collars, spats, and a dignity peculiar to doormen, chauffeurs, and head waiters pg.186.” These characteristics helped identify the people of the Harlem Renaissance and shaped who they

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