The Musical Effect Of Jazz On Toni Morrison's Novel Jazz

The Musical Effect of Jazz on Toni Morrison’s Novel Jazz “It is only in his music [ ... ] that the Negro in America has been able to tell his story.” James Baldwin. “Jazz has been a part of a proud African American tradition for over 100 years. A robust, rhythmic under-structure, blue notes, solos, “call-and response” patterns, and improvisation of melody all characterize jazz music.” Throughout the history of jazz, these characteristics have worked together in creating an unique style and melodic genius. Throughout her works, Morrison integrates musical patterns into her literature. Her novel Jazz reflects this and is suggestive of the musical genre. As a novel that challenges the typical, American-established literary style, Morrison

This difference calls for a different interpretation; proper language is rejected. Morrison’s characters express themselves with their own voices, even with the possibility of losing the reader. In a way, like jazz music, the artistic creation becomes more important than the fact that the work will be well received by a reader. In the novel, characters Violet and Joe Trace’s family in Virginia and the vicious deaths of Dorcas's parents in the racial riots are very reminiscent of jazz music. It gives the characters a different voice.

Another aspect of the narrative structure of Jazz that is reminiscent of jazz music is the way in which the same story is played out again and again, but in multiple ways. The narrator of Jazz explains the important foundations of the plot, but rephrases them again and again in multiple retellings. Each time she does, a new voice or new perspective begins with new meanings. Jazz music does the same, playing with a melodic theme over and over again, but slightly changing it and creating multiple

There is something vague and unsettling about the ending of the novel. The final few paragraphs in the novel suggest the same kinds of feelings that the peak part of a jazz music piece does. The final lines of Jazz build up, but they then fade out: “Say make me, remake me. You are free to do it and I am free to let you because look, look. Look where your hands are now." (Morrison, P. 272). Joe and Violet have decided to let their past go and look towards the future, but we are supposed to learn from our past, not suppress. Endings of jazz music can be abrupt and unexpected; they can also trail off with no end, simply repeating and then fading out on a certain note. The three sets of repeated words emphasize the urgency. The reader is then left to accept the vagueness of the conclusion. Just like the music, the experience of understanding the creative production can be satisfying, mysterious and enjoyable.

In an analysis of her own work, Morrison states that she thought of “the plot in that novel as the melody of the piece”. She wanted to convey that there was more to give, yet won’t give it- just like a true musician. Although it is obvious that Violet, Joe and Dorcas bring altogether unique elements into the story, the narrator exercises unrelenting control over how much of their personal stories will be