Cultural traditions preserved and lost from "summary" of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Throughout 'Homegoing', we witness the intricate web of cultural traditions being both preserved and lost over generations. The novel delves into the repercussions of slavery on African communities and the diaspora, exploring how these traditions are passed down or erased through time.
The preservation of cultural traditions is portrayed through characters like Maame and Quey. Maame, a young girl in Ghana, is taken into slavery, carrying with her the stories and songs of her ancestors. Despite the brutality she faces, Maame continues to hold onto these traditions, passing them down to her daughter, Esi, and granddaughter, Ness. Similarly, Quey, the son of Maame and the British slave trader, grows up straddling two worlds. He learns the ways of his Fante people while also understanding the customs of the British. This duality allows Quey to bridge the gap between his heritage and the new world he inhabits.
On the other hand, the loss of cultural traditions is evident in characters like Akua and Marjorie. Akua, a descendant of Ness, struggles with mental illness, which disconnects her from her roots. She finds solace in art but is unable to fully grasp the depth of her cultural heritage. Marjorie, a biracial woman raised in America, is distanced from her Ghanaian roots by her mother's silence. Without a connection to her ancestry, Marjorie feels adrift, searching for a sense of belonging that seems just out of reach.
As the novel unfolds, we see how the legacy of slavery has fractured the continuity of cultural traditions. The characters grapple with their identities, trying to reconcile the past with the present. Some cling to their heritage as a lifeline, while others struggle to reclaim what has been lost. 'Homegoing' serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of culture in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of preserving one's roots in a world that constantly threatens erasure.
