My Amputations: Analysis of Major Characters
"My Amputations: Analysis of Major Characters" offers an exploration of complex characters, particularly focusing on Mason Ellis, an African American writer whose life is marked by turmoil and transformation. Born in Georgia in 1936, Mason's life takes many twists, from serving in the Air Force to becoming a father of six and later, a fugitive. His identity is multifaceted; he assumes the persona of the Author, gaining recognition and support for his writing while grappling with his past, including a stint in prison for drug possession.
The narrative also delves into the lives of significant characters surrounding Mason, such as Chiro Ellis, his father, who embodies a troubled legacy, and Judith Williams, his estranged wife, who seeks to protect their children from Mason's chaotic life. Additionally, characters like Painted Turtle, a Native American actress, and Jesus, a criminal accomplice, contribute to the rich tapestry of Mason's adventures, which blend elements of reality with surreal undertones. The dynamics between Mason and these characters provide insights into themes of identity, legacy, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. This analysis invites readers to reflect on the intricate interplay of personal struggles and societal influences within the context of African American experiences.
My Amputations: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Clarence Major
First published: 1986
Genre: Novel
Locale: The United States, Europe, and Africa
Plot: Picaresque
Time: The 1980's
Mason Ellis, an African American male born on December 31, 1936, in Georgia. He has a birthmark on his right forearm in the shape of a mudfrog. Brought up in Chicago, Illinois, he is a school dropout who joined the Air Force, serving in Wyoming and Florida. As a father of six children, he deserts his wife and goes to New York. He had served time in Attica from 1977 to 1978 for possession of drugs. Mason is a writer and takes on the identity of the Author, a noted black writer. Under his assumed identity, Mason receives a grant from the Magnan-Rockford Foundation to deliver lectures at colleges and universities throughout the world. Mason's journey is a series of episodic adventures in which dream and reality mix. He passes from country to country embroiled in bombings, kidnapping, and revolutionary wars. Sometimes he reads from his novel in progress, which is about his past life. As Mason sinks into paranoia, he searches for meaning and identity in a variety of places, ending up in a remote African village.
Chiro Ellis, Mason's father, a dark figure who leaves Mason a complicated legacy. He is the bad man of African American myth, a rebellious wanderer, great dancer, gambler, and lover.
Painted Turtle, a Native American woman who lived on a reservation in New Mexico and worked as an actress and a dancer before meeting Mason in Georgia and heading to New York with him.
Judith Williams, Mason Ellis' wife, who was born in and lives in Chicago and is the mother of their six children. She takes the children and hides out in Chicago, afraid that Mason will lay claim to them.
Edith Levine, a white, college-educated actress who hangs out with gangsters and is a coconspirator with Mason, Jesus, and Brad in the robbery of the Chemical Bank at United Nations Plaza. Edith is also a director and star in underground sex films.
Jesus, who lives in New York and executes a series of crimes with Mason, including breaking and entering, armed robbery, and bank robbery. Jesus ends up in jail for drug possession.
Brad, a criminal friend of Mason. He robs the bank and uses all of his money living the high life in New York. At a crucial point in the story, he searches out Mason's hiding place and demands more money from Mason. Mason decides to leave for Europe.
John Armegurn, the secretary of the Magnan-Rockford Foundation. He is a white man with ashy skin, freckles, and thick red hair on his hands. As the director of Mason's fellowship money, he controls Mason's movements throughout his travels.
Clarence McKay, a black writer. Mason claims that McKay stole his manuscript while both were in prison in Attica. McKay is kidnapped by Mason and put on a train out of town. Mason then assumes the identity of the Author, who may be McKay.
The author, an unnamed and unspecified African American writer. While in prison, Mason reads the Author's works and convinces himself that he is the Author. Mason masquerades as the Author in travels throughout America, Europe, and Africa.