Listen for the Fig Tree by Sharon Bell Mathis
"Listen for the Fig Tree" by Sharon Bell Mathis is a poignant coming-of-age story centered on Muffin, a young African American girl navigating her independence despite being physically blind. Set just before Christmas, Muffin eagerly anticipates the Kwanza celebration, which contrasts with her tumultuous home life, where she assumes the role of caretaker for her grieving mother, Leola, who struggles with alcoholism following the death of Muffin's father. The narrative explores themes of resilience and family as Muffin balances her responsibilities while maintaining hope for a brighter future.
The story takes a dark turn when Muffin experiences an assault, which shatters her sense of safety and joy. However, with the support of her neighbor Mr. Dale, Muffin begins to reclaim her strength and identity. He encourages her to participate in the Kwanza celebration, symbolizing her journey towards healing and empowerment.
Mathis's work emphasizes the importance of community and familial bonds, as well as the strength of young black children in overcoming adversity. "Listen for the Fig Tree" stands out for its rich character development and its exploration of complex themes relevant to the experiences of African Americans, making it a significant read for young adults seeking relatable narratives.
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Subject Terms
Listen for the Fig Tree by Sharon Bell Mathis
First published: 1974
Type of work: Domestic realism
Themes: Coming-of-age, family, friendship, race and ethnicity, and emotions
Time of work: The late twentieth century
Recommended Ages: 13-15
Locale: Brooklyn, New York
Principal Characters:
Marvina Johnson (Muffin) , the protagonist, blind, sixteen years old, independent, and resourcefulLeola Johnson , Muffin’s mother, alcoholic since the death of her husband, MarvinMr. Dale , a neighbor, friend, and surrogate father to MuffinErnie , Muffin’s friend, who gives her realistic advice and takes her to the Kwanza celebrationMr. Thomas , a neighbor and recluse, who helps Muffin when she is attackedWillie Williams , a preacher and friend of the family
The Story
Listen for the Fig Tree takes place a few days before Christmas. Christmas, however, is not the big event for Muffin; she is looking forward to Kwanza, the Black African celebration that begins on Christmas night. Muffin, though physically blind, is quite independent in finding her way around the neighborhood and taking care of herself. In addition, she has been placed in the role of caretaker for her mother Leola, who is still mourning the death of her husband Marvin, who was killed the previous Christmas. She has become an alcoholic, leaving the management of the household to Muffin. Leola’s drinking problem increases as Christmas approaches, and, although she resents the authoritative role that Muffin has acquired, she is unable to cope with her own loneliness.
Muffin’s coping strategies are enhanced by the extended family relationship of her neighbor and friend, Mr. Dale. Mr. Dale has taught her how to sew. He reminds her that she should always walk straight and be proud, and he has helped her to understand Leola’s frustrations. In the few days preceding the Kwanza celebration, Muffin has cleaned the apartment, planned Christmas dinner, rescued Leola from the bar, and prevented her from buying an expensive stereo. Muffin is happy and carefree, even with the added responsibilities that she has inherited since her father’s death. Most of her happiness is in anticipation of her first Kwanza celebration. Mr. Dale has given her yellow velvet fabric; she has found a pretty dress pattern, and her friend Ernie will be her escort. She is filled with a joy that transcends the daily complexities of her life.
Suddenly, a new crisis erupts. Just before Christmas Eve, Muffin has completed making her dress and decides to show Mr. Dale. She takes the familiar hallway and stairs to his apartment. She senses a strange presence in the hall but not the danger. Suddenly, she is assaulted. Her screams and the commotion are heard by the aged recluse, Mr. Thomas, who fights off the assailant at the risk of his own life.
Muffin’s world is shaken, and her dreams are shattered. She can not bathe away her feelings of impurity, fear, and shame. Mr. Dale is comforting and understanding. He is responsible for Muffin’s ascent back to the present and back to the hope she nurtured prior to the assault. He makes her a new dress of pink suede, which he had been keeping for a special occasion. He makes the necessary arrangements with Ernie and insists that Muffin leave the refuge of her bed and that she attend the Kwanza celebration. After much resistance, Muffin relents and agrees to attend the special event about which she has dreamed for so long. After witnessing the first festivity of Kwanza, Muffin returns home. The story ends as she caresses her mother and plans an enriched relationship between them for the coming year.
Context
In 1975, Sharon Bell Mathis made the statement, “I write to salute the strength of black children and to say to them, ’Stay strong, stay black, and stay alive.’” Listen for the Fig Tree is a good example of the trust and faith that Mathis has for young, black children. Muffin is strong, and she endures. She becomes her mother’s guardian and sets the example as she overcomes her own assault tragedy when Leola cannot overcome her husband’s death. This theme is evidenced in all of Mathis’ books in one way or another. In the children’s story The Hundred Penny Box (1975), Michael, the young protagonist, understands the historical significance of the pennies in his Aunt Dew’s box much better than his mother, who sees only an old box that should be discarded. Yet Aunt Dew’s stories keep her and Michael linked to the powerful history of the past.
In Teacup Full of Roses (1972), Joey is a survivor. He works to make money while he attends night school to complete his high school education. He sees the gifts of learning in his younger brother Davey and the futility that drug addiction has created for his brother Paul. In Sidewalk Story (1971), Lilly Etta instinctively knows that it is unkind and wrong that her friend’s family is evicted from their apartment—even if they cannot pay the rent. Her innocence and commitment directs her to call the newspaper for help, which results in a happy ending for the family.
Each of Mathis’ stories also shows strong family and extended family relationships. These relationships vary with each story but are important to the growth and survival of the protagonist. Muffin in Listen for the Fig Tree has the support of the neighbors Mr. Dale and Willie Williams. Michael in The Hundred Penny Box has his live-in aunt, who impresses him with her stories and relates his history to him. In Teacup Full of Roses Joey’s extended family is also composed of a live-in relative, Aunt Llouvah, whom Joey is advised to hug because she is a grand lady, not the crazy lady she appears to be. Yet Joey’s street friends, Caroline and Phil, are the extension that helps him to survive. Lilly Etta becomes the family extension in Sidewalk Story as she protects her friend’s possessions and ultimately prevents the eviction.
Listen for the Fig Tree is the longest of all of Mathis’ books. Muffin is the most developed protagonist and is realistically portrayed. The themes of friendship, family, coming-of-age, and race and ethnicity are carefully and fully drawn, making this a timeless novel for young adults.