Black Thunder: Analysis of Major Characters
"Black Thunder: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and motivations of key figures involved in a slave rebellion led by Gabriel Prosser, who is portrayed as a tall and determined slave from the Prosser plantation near Richmond, Virginia. After witnessing the death of a fellow slave, Gabriel evolves from a passive individual into a passionate leader, although his plans ultimately fail due to betrayal and adverse circumstances. The document highlights the contrasting roles of Ben and Pharaoh, both of whom betray the rebellion, leading to dire consequences for the enslaved community.
Gabriel's love interest, Juba, emerges as a courageous figure who plays a pivotal role in the rebellion despite facing brutal punishment. Other characters, such as the freeman Mingo and the sympathetic Frenchman Alexander Biddenhurst, provide support and insight into the complex dynamics of race and resistance. The narrative also explores the oppressive nature of figures like Thomas Prosser, Gabriel's master, who exemplifies the cruelty of slavery. Overall, the analysis offers a profound look at the struggles for freedom and the varied responses of individuals within the enslaved community.
Black Thunder: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Arna Bontemps
First published: 1936
Genre: Novel
Locale: Henrico County, Virginia
Plot: Historical
Time: The 1800's
Gabriel Prosser, a slave who leads a slave rebellion. He is the coachman on the Prosser plantation, located near Richmond, Virginia. He is twenty-four years old and the tallest of three uncommonly tall brothers. He is considered by the other slaves to be a “man of destiny” because of the reputation he acquired after defeating Ditcher, a black slave driver, in a fight. After the death of Bundy, a slave, he changes from a silent, dreamy person to one who speaks with quiet dignity and excitement about his revolutionary plans. His rebellion fails because of the treachery of two fellow slaves, and the slaves are impeded by a devastating storm. Gabriel escapes capture for some time but is finally captured and taken to Richmond for trial. He refuses to give any significant information about the conspiracy before his execution.
Ben, an old, gray-headed house slave, the servant to the elderly slave master Mossely Sheppard. He is one of the traitors of the slave rebellion. Ben does not share the other slaves' love and desire for freedom, and he is distrusted by the other slaves, who do not share their plans for the rebellion with him. At the end of the novel, he is the target of the wrath of the remaining slaves on the plantation after the execution of Gabriel and the conspirators.
Pharaoh (FAY-roh), a slave and the second traitor of the slave rebellion. He wishes to lead a fighting line during the rebellion, but because Gabriel does not trust Pharaoh, Gabriel will not permit this. Pharaoh's anger and resentment turn him into a traitor. After Gabriel's execution, he becomes insane. Upon learning of Gabriel's defeat, other slaves wear Pharaoh down by throwing knives at him at every opportunity. At the end of the novel, he climbs a tree and begins barking like a dog.
Juba, a young slave woman who is in love with Gabriel and who is the only female participant in the slave rebellion. On the night of the revolt, she rides the colt Araby as a signal for the conspirators. She is a strong and defiant person and never cries out, even though she is beaten unmercifully by her slave master for her part in the revolt. She is later sold on the auction block.
Bundy, an elderly, rum-drinking slave who is killed at the beginning of the novel when his master, Thomas Prosser, allows his horse to trample him because Prosser considers Bundy to be useless. Bundy's murder serves as a catalyst for Gabriel's revolutionary plans.
Melody, a free, apricot-colored mulatto with enameled black hair and barbarous hoops in her ears. She is a friend of Biddenhurst and the black conspirators and leaves town after the revolt fails. She aids Gabriel in his flight.
Mingo, a black freeman whose distinctive characteristic is his ability to read. He is a saddle maker and a friend to the slaves; his wife and children are still slaves. He reads to the slaves from the Bible and thereby gives the conspirators inspiration and courage.
Alexander Biddenhurst, a Frenchman who is hopeful about race relations. He is a friend of the mulatto Melody, but he is forced to flee Richmond after the slave rebellion because the whites think that he is one of the authors of Gabriel's plans as well as a fellow conspirator.
M. Creuzot (krew-ZOH), a Frenchman who is a printer of religious pamphlets. He believes that the prospects for the unity of poor whites and blacks are negative. He is forced to flee for his life after the slave revolt because the whites believe that he conspired with the revolting slaves.
Thomas Prosser, Gabriel's master, a cruel and inhumane slave owner who tramples an old slave, Bundy, with his horse.
Mossely Sheppard, an elderly, rich, feeble old white man who is Ben's master. Ben reveals the plans of the rebellion to him.
Ditcher, General John Scott, and Criddle, slave participants in Gabriel's revolt.