Possessing the Secret of Joy: Analysis of Major Characters
"Possessing the Secret of Joy" is a novel that delves into the complex experiences of Tashi Evelyn Johnson, an African woman whose life is marked by cultural dislocation and trauma. Born and raised in the Olinka tribe in Africa, Tashi faces harsh realities, including the brutal practice of female circumcision, which not only affects her physically but also haunts her psychologically throughout her life. As she moves to America and navigates her identity as an African American, she grapples with the repercussions of her past, including her troubled marriage to Adam, who struggles to understand her scars and the impact of her cultural upbringing.
The narrative also features key characters such as Olivia, Tashi’s supportive friend; Mzee, a figure who attempts to help her process her traumas; and M'Lissa, the circumciser whom Tashi blames for her sister's death and the suffering of many women in her community. Other characters like Lisette and Pierre highlight the complexities of cross-cultural relationships and the nuances of motherhood in Tashi’s life. Through these interwoven stories, the novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and the quest for healing, offering a profound look at the intersections of culture and personal history.
Possessing the Secret of Joy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alice Walker
First published: 1992
Genre: Novel
Locale: California and Olinka, in Africa
Plot: Social realism
Time: The 1930's to the 1980's
Tashi Evelyn Johnson, the protagonist. She is born in Africa and reared until she is a young woman as a member of the Olinka tribe, then moves to America, where she lives for most of her adult years. She returns to Africa when she is middle-aged. She intends to murder M'Lissa, who performed a female circumcision on her. Tashi experiences a number of cultural shocks in her life, from the British takeover of her country to moving to America and trying to adjust to being an “African American.” In her moves, she marries, has a slightly retarded son, learns that her husband has had a longtime affair with a white woman, and remembers a series of Olinka rituals that left her scarred for life and killed her sister. These rituals, which included genital and facial mutilation, haunt her every waking hour. In the process of making adjustments, she loses her mind.
Adam, Tashi's husband, who grew up in Olinka. He is, on the surface, a good husband and provider. Tashi's childhood scars and her ever present responses to them create a rift in their marriage. He is the adopted son of missionaries who attempted to convince the Olinkans to give up ritual mutilation.
Olivia, Adam's sister. She has been Tashi's best friend since they were prepubescent girls in Africa. She tried to convince Tashi not to allow herself to be circumcised. She understands some of the strange behavior that Tashi exhibits in her middle age and helps her deal with the medical problems that result from the circumcision.
Mzee (The Old Man), a friend to Tashi and Adam who acts as therapist, for a while, to Tashi. He has spent time among Tashi's people and tries to help her deal with her childhood trauma.
Bentu (Benny) Moraga, Tashi and Adam's son, who is slightly retarded. He responds to his limitations by keeping lists of such things as how to get to the grocery store and topics he wants to discuss with his parents. Given Tashi's medical condition, his conception and birth are miraculous.
Lisette, Mzee's niece and Adam's lover. She is the mother of Adam's son Pierre. As a white woman, she first thought her attraction to Adam had to do with his race, but later she simply fell in love with him, even though she knew and respected Tashi. She often, however, feels guilty about being the “other woman,” and she often muses over the fact that both women have a son by Adam; she wonders what Tashi must think of this.
Pierre, Lisette and Adam's son. He displays the acuteness of intelligence that marks both of his parents. He studies all he can about Africa. Although he receives a Harvard University education, he is down to earth enough to seek out his half brother. During the novel, he becomes the protector of his retarded brother, Benny.
M'Lissa, the Olinkan tsunga, who circumcises the young Olinkan girls. In Tashi's mind, she is responsible for the death of Tashi's sister Dura and countless other African women. Tashi reasons that if M'Lissa did not carry out the ritual, the ritual might die and girls would not be sacrificed needlessly for men. M'Lissa believes that she serves her society well by performing its rituals. In her old age, she is a national celebrity.
Mbati, the young woman who is taking care of M'Lissa when Tashi returns to Olinka. She becomes a spiritual daughter to Tashi, a replacement for the daughter Tashi has aborted.
Raye, the American therapist who helps Tashi to understand herself and to accept African American women.
Dura, Tashi's older sister, who bleeds to death when the rite of circumcision is performed.