What is the theme of Nightjohn?

Theme: The Power of Literacy

_Nightjohn_ revolves around the powerful impact that literacy can have on individuals and communities, especially in contexts of oppression. The novel emphasizes how the acquisition of reading and writing skills can empower marginalized individuals, enabling them to challenge systemic injustices and foster personal and collective liberation.

Throughout the story, enslaved people on the Waller plantation face brutal oppression, dehumanization, and restricted access to education. However, Nightjohn, a literate slave, defies the odds and clandestinely educates his fellow slaves. Through his teachings, he enlightens them about the world beyond their limited existence and instills a thirst for knowledge and freedom.

As the slaves learn to read and write, their perspectives broaden, and they begin to assert their humanity and dignity. Literacy empowers them to forge connections, build a sense of community, and form a united front against the oppressive forces that seek to keep them in ignorance and subservience.

The theme of literacy is central to the novel's narrative arc. It highlights the transformative power of education and the urgent need for liberation from the mental and physical shackles of enslavement. _Nightjohn_ effectively demonstrates that the ability to read and write can be a catalyst for emancipation, personal growth, and social transformation.

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