“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is one of the most powerful plays in August Wilson’s acclaimed ten-play series known as The Pittsburgh Cycle, which chronicles African-American experiences across each decade of the 20th century. Written in 1984 and set in 1911, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” explores themes of identity, trauma, spiritual healing, and the search for self amidst the backdrop of post-slavery America.
In this article, we’ll break down the major themes, characters, and historical context of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”, offering a clear, engaging explanation for readers—whether you’re a student, a theatre enthusiast, or simply someone looking to understand one of modern drama’s most impactful works.
What Is Joe Turner’s Come and Gone About?
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is set in a Pittsburgh boarding house owned by Seth and Bertha Holly, where various African-American travelers come and go while searching for work, family, or a new beginning. The boarding house serves as a temporary resting place for souls in transit—both literally and spiritually.
The central character, Herald Loomis, arrives with his young daughter Zonia, looking for his missing wife. As the story unfolds, we learn that Herald was imprisoned and enslaved for seven years by Joe Turner, a white man who illegally captured Black men to work on chain gangs in the South.
Historical Context: Who Was Joe Turner?
To understand “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”, it’s important to know that Joe Turner is based on a real historical figure: Joe Turney, the brother of a Tennessee governor. He was infamous for kidnapping and illegally enslaving Black men during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Major Themes in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
1. Search for Identity
All the characters in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” are, in some way, searching—whether for family members, work, freedom, or spiritual clarity. The play emphasizes how African Americans, newly freed from slavery, were often displaced and disconnected from their cultural roots.
2. Legacy of Slavery
Herald Loomis’s experience with Joe Turner serves as a direct commentary on how slavery and oppression continued even after Emancipation. The emotional and spiritual scars left by this trauma are central to the story.
3. The Power of Roots and Ancestors
Wilson incorporates African spirituality through the character of Bynum Walker, a rootworker or “conjure man,” who guides others through spiritual healing. His belief in the “shiny man” and the binding of people together highlights the importance of heritage and cultural continuity.
4. Community and Belonging
The boarding house itself is a metaphor for a temporary space of refuge. Each guest has their own journey, but they share meals, stories, and songs that connect them. The play explores how African-American communities built bonds despite the instability of the era.
Key Characters
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Herald Loomis: The protagonist. A deeply troubled man searching for his wife and a sense of identity.
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Zonia Loomis: Herald’s daughter, who travels with him.
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Seth and Bertha Holly: Owners of the boarding house. Seth is pragmatic and skeptical, while Bertha offers warmth and compassion.
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Bynum Walker: A spiritual healer who helps Herald confront his trauma.
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Martha Pentecost: Herald’s estranged wife, who ultimately represents the possibility of release and renewal.
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Jeremy Furlow: A young, upbeat laborer searching for opportunity.
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Mattie Campbell and Molly Cunningham: Two women with very different views on relationships and independence.
Why Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Still Matters Today
The relevance of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” has not diminished. The play speaks to the ongoing struggle of marginalized people to find identity, home, and healing after generations of displacement and oppression. It reminds audiences that history isn’t something we leave behind—it lives within us and shapes our journeys.
The Symbolism in the Play
August Wilson fills “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” with rich symbolism:
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The Shiny Man: A mythical figure seen by Bynum who symbolizes spiritual freedom and connection to African roots.
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Herald’s Coat and Bare Feet: Herald often wears a long coat and no shoes. The coat represents the burdens of his past, and removing it during the climax symbolizes his emotional release.
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The Binding Song: Bynum uses songs to bind people spiritually, echoing the importance of music in African-American culture as a source of unity and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Joe Turner a real person?
Yes. Joe Turner was based on a real man named Joe Turney, who captured African Americans for forced labor in the South after slavery was abolished. His legacy inspired both folk songs and August Wilson’s character.
2. What is the main message of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone?
The play emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one’s identity and roots after trauma and displacement. It shows how history and community can be sources of both pain and healing.
3. How does Joe Turner’s Come and Gone fit into The Pittsburgh Cycle?
Set in 1911, it is the second chronologically in August Wilson’s ten-play cycle. Each play in the cycle explores African-American life in a different decade, and this one focuses on post-slavery migration and spiritual restoration.
Final Thoughts
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is not just a play—it’s a profound exploration of Black identity, legacy, and resilience. With rich characters and poetic dialogue, August Wilson creates a world that reflects the pain and hope of a people trying to piece together their past while building a future.
For readers and theatergoers alike, understanding “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” means acknowledging the invisible chains that still linger from history—and recognizing the power of story, memory, and community in breaking free from them.
If you’re seeking a deeply human story that speaks across time and culture, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is essential. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we’ve traveled or how broken we feel, the journey to reclaim ourselves is always possible.
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