The Dahomean by Frank Yerby
"The Dahomean" is a historical novel by Frank Yerby that explores the life of Nyasanu, the second son of a village chief in Dahomey, named Gbenu. Nyasanu, who is inherently rebellious and resistant to polygamy, marries a loyal woman named Agbale. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is thrust into a war against the Maxi tribe, which results in the death of his father, Gbenu. Following this, Nyasanu becomes chief and navigates complex personal and political challenges, including his turbulent relationships with multiple wives and the expectations of King Gezo, who awards him a princess as a reward for his military service. Nyasanu’s journey leads him to a precarious position of power, and ultimately, betrayal by those close to him, which culminates in his capture and sale into slavery. The novel delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the burdens of leadership within the context of 19th-century African society. It is significant in Yerby’s body of work as it highlights the African diaspora and is considered to have historical accuracy. The story continues in its sequel, "A Darkness at Ingraham's Crest," where Nyasanu's experience in slavery is further explored.
The Dahomean by Frank Yerby
First published: 1971
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Historical realism
Time of work: Nineteenth century
Locale: Africa
Principal Characters:
Nyasanu , the second son of a village chief in DahomeyGbenu , the father of Nyasanu and chief of an important Dahomean villageGbochi , the brother of Nyasanu and eldest son of GbenuGezo , the king of the DahomeansPrincess Yekpewa , the daughter of Gezo and wife of NyasanuKpadunu , a friend of Nyasanu
The Novel
The Dahomean: An Historical Noveltraces the life and times of Nyasanu, the second son of an influential village chief in Dahomey named Gbenu. Gbenu is a thoughtful chief aware of the pitfalls of his rank. Nyasanu is a rebel at heart, particularly opposed to the custom of polygamy. He marries a beautiful young woman named Agbale who is brave and loyal.
Before long, the domestic bliss is interrupted by a war against the Maxi tribe, a rather inept foe. Both Nyasanu and Gbenu serve in this campaign under the leadership of King Gezo; Gbenu is killed. A hero, Nyasanu succeeds his father in rank and position, shunting aside the first son, Gbochi, a weak man who lacks leadership qualities.
Life becomes ever more complicated for Nyasanu, now the village chief. His first wife dies in childbirth. He marries for a second time, mating with a more stubborn and thoughtful woman who becomes strongly loyal to him. A further complication develops when King Gezo gives one of his daughters to Nyasanu as a reward for his exploits in battle. Nyasanu accepts Princess Yekpewa against his better judgment. Nyasanu is aware that, as one of no royal blood, he cannot command Princess Yekpewa to do anything, and her presence will inevitably cause jealousy and discontent among his other wives. In all, Nyasanu has seven wives, two of whom are inherited from his father.
Between the responsibilities of office and his private concerns, Chief Nyasanu is treading on very shaky ground. When Princess Yekpewa and Nyasanu are wed, he discovers that she is not a virgin, having committed incest with her half brother. As Nyasanu rises to power as the governor of the province, a position known as “Gbonugu,” his fate is rapidly being sealed.
Ultimately, Nyasanu is betrayed by his half brother Atedeku, a self-centered prince, and Princess Yekpewa. In his status as governor, Nyasanu is far removed from his constituents. As a gesture of good faith and humility, Nyasanu erects a virtually indefensible home near the outskirts of his village. He is consequently captured by a tribe of warring Africans who sell him into slavery. As the novel ends, Nyasanu, now known as Wesley Parks, declares his intention to tell his story of life in slavery one day. That story became the sequel to The Dahomean entitled A Darkness at Ingraham’s Crest, published in 1979.
The Characters
Nyasanu is one of the most fully developed and complex characters in Yerby’s canon. Nyasanu is the son of a politically powerful man who has nearly insatiable ambitions for himself and his son. As the son of a village chief, Nyasanu becomes the heir to substantial power.
After his father is killed in battle, Nyasanu assumes the mantle of village chief and begins a steady climb to prominence and wealth. It becomes apparent, however, that Nyasanu is trapped; the more he controls, the less he is able to control. He is aware of the pitfalls surrounding him, but he is powerless to change his position. He owes his ultimate allegiance to Gezo; when Gezo commands him to marry Princess Yekpewa, he must, and the action causes his downfall. Nyasanu accepts his fate, which is to be captured and sold into slavery. He remarks stoically that “no man is powerless who is prepared to suffer the consequences of his actions.”
Opposing Nyasanu are Gbochi, Prince Atedeku, and Princess Yekpewa. Gbochi is a weak man who becomes embittered by his brother’s success and schemes against him. Atedeku is self-centered and malicious, as is his half sister Yekpewa; though these characters are not nearly so formidable as Nyasanu, together they manage to plot his downfall.
King Gezo is generous but not always astute. He rewards Nyasanu for his bravery in battle by furthering his political career and awarding him Princess Yekpewa in marriage; he does not, though, understand that the latter is less a gift than a burden. Gbenu, Nyasanu’s father, is a wise leader and a brave warrior, qualities he transmits to his son. Kpadunu, Nyasanu’s close friend, is thoughtful and loyal; in battle, he sacrifices his own life to protect Nyasanu.
Critical Context
The Dahomean is one of the handful of novels in Yerby’s canon that he considered a serious work. It is also one of three novels Yerby wrote that have black characters of central importance. The other two are Speak Now: A Modern Novel (1969) and the sequel to The Dahomean, A Darkness at Ingraham’s Crest, in which Nyasanu begins his life of slavery in America.
The Dahomean was not widely reviewed. As had been the case since The Foxes of Harrow (1946) was published, Yerby’s novels were considered by the critical community as costume novels of the second rank. The Dahomean, however, has been reconsidered as an important work, as has A Darkness at Ingraham’s Crest. Both works contain a wealth of information about the African diaspora, and both are judged to be historically sound.
Bibliography
Benson, Joe. “Frank Yerby.” In Southern Writers, edited by Robert Bain, Joseph M. Flora, and Louis D. Rubin, Jr. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1979. Presents an overview of Yerby’s life and career and would serve as a good general introduction. Specifically notes that Yerby’s historical novels are an “attempt to correct the reader’s historical perspective on the themes of slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.” A brief bibliography follows the discussion.
“Frank Yerby.” In Modern Black American Fiction Writers, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1994. Broad overview of Yerby’s life and work, commenting on his contribution to the field of African American literature.
Graham, Maryemma. “Frank Yerby: King of the Costume Novel.” Essence 6 (October, 1975): 70-71. Argues that Yerby is a unique and neglected talent, particularly with regard to his African American novels.
Jarrett, Gene Andrew. “Introduction: Gene Andrew Jarrett.” In African American Literature Beyond Race: An Alternative Reader, edited by Gene Andrew Jarrett. New York: New York University Press, 2006. Brief essay on Yerby, introducing an excerpt from his fiction that is meant to contribute to a showcase of the complexity and diversity of African American literature.
Turner, Darwin T. “Frank Yerby as Debunker.” Massachusetts Review 20 (Summer, 1968): 569-577. Contends that scholars no longer read Frank Yerby and that many resent him. Notes that Yerby was tried first as a symbol but refused to plead for his race as a token author. For that reason, many of his contemporaries resented him.
Turner, Darwin T. “Frank Yerby, Golden Debunker.” Black Books Bulletin 1 (1972): 4-9, 30-33. Crafty article that describes Yerby’s style in the form of a recipe. Mentions all the elements present in Yerby’s novels that make them best sellers.
Turner, Darwin T. Review of The Dahomean, by Frank Yerby. Black World 21 (February, 1972): 51-52, 84-87. Says that The Dahomean is Yerby’s most satisfying novel; as a record of an astonishing time and people, it captures readers’ attention. Notes that readers who have devoured Yerby will find many familiar elements; except for the blackness of his skin, the protagonist resembles earlier Yerby heroes. Unlike most Yerby heroes, however, he is not an outcast seeking position.