Platitudes: Analysis of Major Characters
"Platitudes: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and character developments in Dewayne Wellington's narrative centered on Earle Tyner and Dorothy LaMont. Dewayne, a recently divorced and self-reflective middle-aged black writer, experiences personal growth through his correspondence with Isshee Ayam, a feminist author who initially critiques his work for its lack of authenticity and sensitivity to black culture. As Dewayne gains confidence in his writing and self-image, his characters evolve in depth and complexity.
Earle, a 16-year-old awkward romantic, navigates his feelings for Dorothy, a popular waitress from Harlem, illustrating a journey towards maturity and self-acceptance. Their relationship mirrors the evolving dynamic between Dewayne and Isshee, highlighting themes of love, identity, and social acceptance. Supporting characters, including Dorothy's mother Darcelle and her friend Janey, contribute to the exploration of social dynamics and personal connections within their communities. The interplay of these characters against the backdrop of race, gender, and societal expectations invites readers to consider diverse perspectives on romance and personal growth. Overall, "Platitudes" offers a rich tapestry of human experience that resonates with themes of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships.
Platitudes: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Trey Ellis
First published: 1988
Genre: Novel
Locale: New York City and rural Georgia
Plot: Satire
Time: The 1980's and the 1930's
Dewayne Wellington, a recently divorced, depressed, middle-aged black writer who creates the story of Earle and Dorothy, which he calls Platitudes. During a correspondence with feminist author Isshee Ayam, Dewayne comes to a new self-awareness of his own ability as a writer and his attractiveness as a man, reflected in the increasing depth and sensitivity of the characters in his story. His final romantic meeting with Isshee restores his confidence in happy endings in both life and art.
Isshee Ayam, a successful middle-aged black feminist writer who criticizes Dewayne's work in progress as sexist and as being out of touch with black folk tradition. She offers Dewayne her own version of the story of Earle and Dorothy, set in the 1930's in rural Lowndes County, Georgia. Her story celebrates the clean, healthy lives of simple country folk whose sexual relations are based on the equality of men and women. Scornful of Dewayne's ability at first, Isshee comes to respect his writing and his views on romantic relationships.
Earle Tyner, the protagonist of Dewayne's story, a pudgy, awkward, and romantic sixteen-year-old middle-class black boy who acquires confidence and maturity through the course of a love affair with Dorothy LaMont. The story of his relationship with Dorothy parallels that of Dewayne and Isshee. A computer nerd excluded from the social life of the popular students at his private high school, Earle dreams that someday a beautiful girl will see past his unattractive appearance to the intelligent, sensitive, and romantic person underneath. Earle is a member of an unofficial group of computer buffs, “Trinary,” along with his friends Donald and Andy.
Dorothy Lamont, a young waitress at her mother's Harlem diner. She attends St. Rita's Catholic school, where she is at the center of the popular social crowd. She cultivates a friendship with Earle that grows into a satisfying romantic relationship.
Darcelle Lamont, Dorothy's mother and owner of a Harlem diner specializing in country-style black cooking. She befriends Earle and helps to bring him together with Dorothy.
Janey Rosebloom, a pretty, white, socially popular friend of Dorothy and a schoolmate of Earle at Friends Academy. Initially, she looks down on Earle as a computer nerd and ridicules him with her friends. After learning to appreciate his kindness and intelligence, she has a sexual encounter with him during a bout of depression stemming from problems in her love life.
Captain Nat Mee, a New York City police precinct captain prominent in Harlem politics. He dates Earle's mother. As president of the Jean Toomer Democratic Club, he gets Earle a job registering voters. He later accuses the black candidate for mayor, Al Robinson, of misusing campaign funds.
Stevie, the elderly janitor and caretaker at the Jean Toomer Democratic Club. He shows Earle around and explains to him why it is important to support Al Robinson for mayor if they want the city to keep its promises to African Amer-icans.
Richard, an elegant and rich white male model who tries to seduce Dorothy at a party. Earle catches him in bed with Dorothy.