Dear Sir,
I have selected to study Ishmael Reed’s ‘The C Above C Above a High C’. It is a famous play, which presents the intermingled aspects of racism, superstardom, betrayal and politics through its characters. I chose to study it, not to elucidate its significance on the racial ground but to analyse whether the use of unrealistic elements in a play add to appeal? I am exploring whether it’s the use of unrealistic elements which expands the scope and charm of a play? But the answer to this critical question was not difficult to seek.
As I read the play twice, the story became much clearer to me but I could not see why the author has crammed the play with unrealistic elements, confusing scenes and overlapping contexts. The most onerous task here was to understand the story, with its multiple characters merging into each other’s scenes in a confusing way. However, there are certain points which make the play worthwhile- it’s earnest representation of how racism led to partiality between people. The weakness is of course, the lack of clarity in tone and scenes. I would request you to let me know if this confusion of mine is a result of my own lack of comprehension or is the play actually perplexing. I would endeavour to improve my reading and comprehension skills as per your suggestions.
Thank you,
Did it happen?
When great authors innovate with their words, writing style, plots and contexts in the stories or plays, it makes for an interesting read. But, it is not necessary that a work without innovative elements cannot be worth reading or respecting. Sometimes, incorporating complex plots, multiple contexts and confusing transition between scenes can hamper the tone and tenor of a well-written play. “The C Above C Above High C” by Ishmael Reed is a very well-written play, recognised by eminent reviewers but it’s overdose of confusing contexts has actually held back its appeal. Poignant issues such as racism, money-minded politics behind music and the trend of keeping multiple mistresses by army men or warriors- several such delicate concerns have been dealt with in the play in depth on lead characters like Louis Armstrong and Dwight Eisenhower (Reed, 1997). But, the complexity of contexts and characters has hindered its appeal to the masses.
As one begins to read the play, everything seems to be perfect in place, description and tone in Act One, scene one. Then suddenly from nowhere, the Beboppers come into scene. It has been tried to show that Beboppers speak ill of Louis, but doing so amidst a conversation between Louis and Gloria has seemed weird. The same transition between contexts in same scene could be very innovative and successful in a video or film. But, it did not seem very appealing in text.
According to a live journal, the same idea has been expressed as follows: ““High C”, on the other hand, goes much further in plot and character development through the use of background action, sub-scenes, visual cues, and shifts in timeline-striking any of these elements and relying solely upon the dialogue would be a confusing nightmare. (Being Jeremiah Palmer, 2012)”
In a quite similar way, the Scene Two sees the same use of confusing and unappealing context multiplicity. While Dwight Eisenhower is in conversation with Kay Summersby, suddenly Mamie turns out of the blue with her monologue explain what she underwent in life. Then, it very sceptically changes into a dialogue between Lil appearing for a monologue turned dialogue with Lil Hardin. And again, there is a transition. The ladies are talking while J. Edgar Hoover enters the room to investigate for certain evidences. It is very confusing in these two scenes especially. The reader almost loses track of who Lil Hardin and Mamie are.
Every reader has its own review. So, it is not necessary that every reader takes this play to be confusing or inefficient. There are indeed some positive points. A very realistic presentation of how racism has invaded the lives of Americans or British. My favourite part of the play is where Louis explains the significance of his music in bringing people from different communities and groups together.
One strong point of disliking the essay here is the confusion between several characters. The way the ladies in dialogue- Lil and Mamie talk of now different people have misused and utilised relationships, money and power, it is very powerful but the backdrop spoils the drama.
It is actually a movie which requires such transitions in context. The play on stage could not very effectively show these beautiful blends of emotions and flowers.
Conclusion
Back to the main question- did such a presentation of play help add appeal to the story? Did such unrealistic elements led to any special charm? Not at all! In fact, it could be the selection of simple plot, heart-touching dialogues and clearly stated dialogues which could help everyone stand the story.
Works Cited
Being Jeremiah PalmerLiterature and Performances. 2012. Retrieved from Web on 16 Mar 2013 http://kg4vma.livejournal.com/590716.html
Reed, Ishmael. "The C Above High C: Reading with Questions for Discussion and Writing.” 1997. Retrieved on 16 Mar 2013
