The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers

Carson McCullers’ novel, "The Member of the Wedding," was first published in 1946, marking a significant addition to the literary landscape of the mid-20th century. McCullers, already acclaimed for her earlier works such as "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter," continued to explore themes of loneliness, belonging, and the tumultuous journey of adolescence in this novel.

"The Member of the Wedding" emerged during a period when American literature was deeply engaged with issues of identity and societal roles, reflecting the post-war era’s preoccupations. The novel received considerable praise upon release, with critics lauding McCullers’ sensitive and profound portrayal of a young girl’s inner world.

Its success was further solidified by a Broadway adaptation in 1950 and a subsequent film in 1952, both of which brought McCullers’ characters to a broader audience. The novel’s publication not only reinforced McCullers’ reputation as a significant voice in American literature but also provided a poignant narrative that resonated with readers’ own experiences of growth and self-discovery.

Plot

"The Member of the Wedding" centres around twelve-year-old Frankie Addams, who feels disconnected and restless in her small Southern town. Set during a languid summer in the 1940s, the story unfolds in the Addams household, where Frankie lives with her widowed father. Her life is filled with a sense of longing and dissatisfaction; she feels neither child nor adult, caught in the awkward transition of adolescence. Frankie’s world is primarily occupied by two figures: her six-year-old cousin John Henry West and the family’s African American housekeeper, Berenice Sadie Brown.

The novel’s pivotal event is the impending wedding of Frankie’s older brother, Jarvis, to his fiancée, Janice. Frankie becomes obsessed with the wedding, convinced that it will be her ticket to belonging. She dreams of escaping her mundane existence and joining her brother and his bride on their travels, thus becoming a part of something larger and more meaningful. This fixation grows as the wedding day approaches, fuelling her fantasies and leading to a series of emotional upheavals.

Frankie’s conversations with Berenice and John Henry reveal much about her inner turmoil. Berenice, a wise and compassionate figure, shares her own experiences of love and loss, attempting to guide Frankie through her confusion. John Henry, with his childlike innocence, serves as a contrasting presence to Frankie’s turbulent emotions.

As the wedding day arrives, Frankie’s dreams of inclusion and escape are starkly shattered. She realises that she is not, and never will be, a part of the newlyweds’ life. This devastating realisation forces Frankie to confront her sense of self and place in the world. In the aftermath, she attempts to run away but is quickly brought back home, symbolising her inescapable connection to her roots and her need to find her own path within the confines of her reality.

Into the Book

Frankie’s quest for identity and belonging is the novel’s central theme. Her longing to be a “member” of the wedding signifies her deeper desire to find a place where she fits in. McCullers portrays Frankie’s struggle through her vivid imagination and desperate actions. Frankie’s assertion, “They are the we of me,” encapsulates her yearning to be part of a collective, to escape her isolation and loneliness. Her fixation on the wedding represents her hope to transcend her current existence and find meaning in her life.

The theme is further exemplified by Frankie’s relationship with Berenice. Berenice’s stories of her four husbands reflect different facets of belonging and identity. Her advice to Frankie, to "accept whatever comes," contrasts sharply with Frankie’s idealistic aspirations, highlighting the generational and experiential gap between them.

Frankie’s declaration, “They are the we of me,” epitomises her desperate need to belong. She views the wedding as her salvation, a way to escape her perceived insignificance. Her fantasies of travelling with Jarvis and Janice are filled with idealistic notions of inclusion and adventure, illustrating her immature understanding of relationships and belonging.

Berenice’s role is crucial in this theme. She represents a grounded and experienced perspective, contrasting with Frankie’s naivety. Her advice, “You can’t just go ‘round thinking the world is your private property,” serves as a reality check for Frankie, urging her to find a sense of belonging within her current circumstances rather than in unattainable fantasies.

“The trouble with me is that for a long time I have just been an I person. All people belong to a We except me. Not to belong to a We makes you too lonesome.”

- The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers

The novel poignantly captures the pain and confusion of adolescence. Frankie’s emotional volatility, her feeling of being “an unjoined person,” and her longing for change all speak to the universal experience of growing up. McCullers uses the summer setting to mirror Frankie’s internal heat and restlessness. The oppressive Southern heat serves as a backdrop to her turbulent emotions, amplifying her sense of entrapment and urgency.

Frankie’s interactions with John Henry and Berenice illustrate her struggle to reconcile her childhood innocence with her burgeoning awareness of the adult world. John Henry’s tragic fate, succumbing to meningitis, underscores the vulnerability and unpredictability of life, reinforcing the harsh realities Frankie must come to terms with as she matures.

Frankie’s internal struggle is vividly depicted through her fluctuating emotions and actions. Her feeling of being “an unjoined person” captures the essence of adolescent angst. This sense of not fitting in anywhere drives her to cling to the wedding as a solution to her identity crisis.

The oppressive summer heat mirrors Frankie’s inner turmoil. McCullers writes, “The summer was too long. It was like a great race between the sun and time, and the summer was winning.”. This description not only sets the mood but also reflects Frankie’s impatience and restlessness, typical of adolescence.

John Henry’s death adds a poignant dimension to this theme. His innocence and untimely demise highlight the fragility of life and the abrupt end of childhood. Frankie’s grief and subsequent realisation that life is unpredictable and often harsh contribute to her painful journey towards maturity.

“She was afraid of these things that made her suddenly wonder who she was, and what she was going to be in the world, and why she was standing at that minute, seeing a light, or listening, or staring up into the sky: alone.”

- The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers

Through Berenice, McCullers explores themes of racism and social inequality in the American South. Berenice’s experiences reflect the systemic racism and personal injustices faced by African Americans. Her complex character, filled with wisdom and resilience, provides a stark contrast to Frankie’s naive outlook. Berenice’s recounting of her marriages, particularly to her abusive husband Ludie, sheds light on the intersectionality of race and gender oppression.

Berenice’s presence in the Addams household also highlights the intimate yet unequal relationships between black servants and white families in the South. Despite her close bond with Frankie and John Henry, Berenice remains an employee, constrained by societal norms and prejudices. Her perspective offers a critical commentary on the social hierarchies and injustices of the time.

Berenice’s character embodies the racial tensions and social inequalities of the South. Her recounting of her marriages, especially to Ludie Freeman, reveals the intersecting oppressions of race and gender. She says, “Ludie made me feel like a real person. But after he died, I was back to being nothing.”. This statement underscores the precariousness of black women’s social status and the profound impact of personal relationships on their sense of self.

The dynamics in the Addams household further illustrate these themes. Despite her close relationship with the family, Berenice is acutely aware of her place as a servant. Her bond with Frankie and John Henry is genuine, yet it is always tempered by the social boundaries of the time. Berenice’s complex position in the household serves as a microcosm of the broader racial and social hierarchies in the South.

“There are all these people here I don't know by sight or by name. And we pass alongside each other and don't have any connection. And they don't know me and I don't know them. And now I'm leaving town and there are all these people I will never know.”

- The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers

Why It's a Masterpiece

"The Member of the Wedding" is considered a masterpiece for several reasons. Firstly, McCullers’ ability to capture the nuanced emotions and inner life of a young girl on the brink of adolescence is unparalleled. Her prose is both lyrical and precise, painting a vivid picture of Frankie’s world and the broader societal context. The novel’s exploration of universal themes such as identity, belonging, and the pains of growing up resonates deeply with readers, transcending time and place.

McCullers’ characterisation is another hallmark of the novel’s excellence. Each character, from the restless Frankie to the wise Berenice and the innocent John Henry, is meticulously crafted and multidimensional. Their interactions and individual stories weave together to create a rich, immersive narrative. The emotional depth and authenticity of these characters enable readers to connect with their experiences on a profound level.

Moreover, McCullers’ handling of social issues such as racism and inequality is both subtle and powerful. Through Berenice, she offers a poignant critique of the social order, highlighting the complexities and injustices faced by African Americans in the South. This social commentary, intertwined with the personal struggles of the characters, adds a layer of depth and relevance to the novel.

Conclusion

We continue to read "The Member of the Wedding" today because its themes of identity, belonging, and the pains of growing up remain universally relevant. McCullers’ masterful storytelling and deep empathy for her characters create a timeless narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The novel’s exploration of social issues, particularly racism and inequality, also provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the American South, making it a rich and enduring work of literature.

Next Week: Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry