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Quote by Toni Morrison

“Violet learned then what she had forgotten until this moment: that laughter is serious. More complicated, more serious than tears.”

Quote by Toni Morrison

Book:Jazz

Work

Jazz

Jazz is a novel by Toni Morrison that explores the complexities of African American life in Harlem during the Jazz Age. The story centers on a love triangle involving a middle-aged couple, Joe and Violet Trace, and a young woman named Dorcas. Through a nonlinear narrative and lyrical prose, the book delves into themes of passion, betrayal, and the search for identity, while using jazz music as a structural and thematic metaphor. The novel reflects on historical and cultural contexts, including the Great Migration and the vibrant yet turbulent spirit of the era. more

Author

Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is an American novelist known for her profound portrayal of the history and culture of African Americans. Her works often explore issues of race, gender, and identity, with her most famous novels being 'The Bluest Eye' and 'Sula'. more

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“Mrs. Russell made us both sit down with a glass of milk. "And I have a special treat for you," she said. I'm not lying. She really said that. I held my breath because of the last special treat at the Daughertys', but it didn't help, because when Mrs. Russell came back, she came back with a loaf of banana bread. Banana bread! And James said, "How about we have some jam with that?" and Mrs. Russell said, "Jam? Then you wouldn't be able to taste the bananas," and James said, "Ma, I hate bananas," and she said, "But I'm sure that Doug enjoys them," and I said, "I think I'm still full from lunch, so the milk's fine," and then Mrs. Russell picked up the plate with the banana bread on it, and you might not believe this, but she started to laugh and laugh a d laugh, until Mr. Russell came out to the kitchen to see what was so funny and she showed him the banana bread and he said, "I hate bananas," and we all started to laugh until Mrs. Russell said, "I hate bananas too," and you can imagine us all laughing until we were crying and finally Mrs. Russell took the banana bread outside to break it up for the birds-"Let's hope they like bananas"-and then I showed Mr. Russell Aaron Copland's Autobiography: Manuscript Edition, and he stopped laughing.”