Seduction by Light: Analysis of Major Characters
"Seduction by Light: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives and complexities of a diverse cast of characters, centered around Mamie Franklin, a former rhythm and blues singer and actress from Mississippi. As the protagonist, Mamie navigates the challenges of her life as a housekeeper for an eccentric couple in Beverly Hills while grappling with her psychic ability to communicate with the deceased. Her common-law husband, Burley Cole, who dies early in the narrative, continues to influence Mamie's life as a ghost, providing insights into pivotal events.
The story also follows Mamie's son, Benjamin (Benjie) Franklin, a talented young screenwriter at UCLA, who learns about his complex parentage, including his relationship with his estranged father, Harry Silvertone, a film producer who helped launch Mamie's career. Benjie's journey reflects themes of familial bonds and professional aspirations, particularly as he collaborates on a comedy script that garners attention from his father. Other characters, such as Theo, a younger romantic interest, and Brett Toshimura, a news reporter whose coverage raises public support for Mamie, further enrich the narrative's exploration of love, loss, and redemption. Collectively, these characters weave a tapestry that addresses the intersections of race, identity, and personal history in mid-20th century America.
Seduction by Light: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Al Young
First published: 1988
Genre: Novel
Locale: Southern California
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: The last decades of the twentieth century
Mamie Franklin, the protagonist, a former rhythm and blues singer and minor screen actress from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hailed in the 1950's for her roles as a domestic in Hollywood films, Mamie is, until her death in her forties, employed as a housekeeper for an eccentric white couple in Beverly Hills. Mamie's psychic ability allows her to communicate with the dead.
Burley Cole, Mamie's common-law husband, father of Kendall, stepfather to Mamie's son, Benjie, and an avid junk collector. Burley dies of a heart attack early in the novel but remains an important character after his death. Lost in a netherworld between heaven and Earth, he exists as a ghost who reports to Mamie on important events in her life such as the meeting between Benjie and Harry Silvertone.
Benjamin (Benjie) Franklin, the son who was conceived out of wedlock by Mamie and Harry Silvertone. Named after the American patriot and inventor, Benjie is a young, talented screenwriter who is completing his master's degree at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles, film school. A comedy script cowritten by Benjie and his friend Nono is accepted as a literary property by Benjie's natural father, Harry, after their relationship is revealed to Benjie.
Harry Silvertone, the agent and film producer who helped Mamie start her film career in the 1950's. Harry's love affair with Mamie, whom he employed as a housekeeper, resulted in the birth, out of wedlock, of Benjie. Harry eventually accepts his responsibility for his son by helping him to get a script produced and helping to free him from legal troubles.
Theo, a handsome young man who waits tables at the Railroad Croissant café. He is decades younger than Mamie. The two sleep together after a dinner date at Mamie's Santa Monica apartment on the night of the great earthquake.
Brett Toshimura, the news reporter for a Los Angeles television station whose report on the aftermath of the Santa Monica earthquake leads to a massive show of public support for Mamie.