unfaithful, which he admits in court. This leads to his leaving their church and town. Sally Lovelace: John's third wife. Sally meets John after his divorce from Hattie, showing him devotion and affection throughout their marriage. Sally represents a possibility for John's redemption, as he swears to be faithful to her and compares her to Lucy in his thoughts. John is driving a Cadillac Sally gifted him when he is killed. Sally receives settlement money that she wants to give his children, and she maintains that John stayed faithful in their marriage. Themes Trauma and Testimony The novel has many depictions of violence, often domestic in nature. The presence of violence represents the nature of race relations at the time and how it impacts social interactions. John demonstrates the impact of intergenerational trauma as the son of two formerly-enslaved people, experiencing economic slavery as a share-cropper. Ned Crittenden reflects this theme through his need to reestablish masculinity and power in his home, where he is cruel to his wife and children. Hurston contrasts Ned's resentment and treatment of his children with Amy's pursuit of a better and free life for them. Marital Dysfunction Many key events in the plot revolve around marriage and divorce. This is related to the theme of trauma, as Ned and Amy's relationship shows a need for active resistance against the impacts of intergenerational trauma. Hurston also examines her own parent's relationship through John and Lucy's marriage. John is unfaithful and physically violent with Lucy. After Lucy's death, he enters into an unhappy, violent marriage with Hattie. Even in a marriage where he is supported by Sally and swears to be faithful, John has an affair with Ora which leads to his death. References 1934 American novels African-American novels Novels by Zora Neale Hurston Novels set in Florida 1934 debut novels