Sounder

William H. Armstrong

Sounder by William H. Armstrong is a powerful and moving novel that explores the lives of a poor African-American family in the late 19th century South. The author uses vivid imagery, symbolism, and powerful characterizations to tell the story of a boy and his dog, Sounder, as they navigate the hardships and injustices of a deeply divided society. With its timeless themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit, Sounder remains a classic work of American literature that continues to inspire readers of all ages.

Themes 📚

1. Injustice: The novel explores the theme of injustice and the systemic oppression faced by African-Americans in the South. The harsh treatment of the main characters by white authorities and their struggle for justice is a central theme in the novel.
2. Poverty: The theme of poverty is also central to the novel, as the characters struggle to make ends meet and provide for their family. The novel highlights the harsh realities of life for poor African-American families in the South during the late 19th century.
3. Family and Community: Sounder celebrates the importance of family and community, as the main characters rely on their tight-knit relationships to survive the challenges they face. The novel emphasizes the importance of love, support, and solidarity in the face of adversity.
4. Education: The novel highlights the transformative power of education, as the main character, a young boy, strives to learn to read and write despite the obstacles he faces. The importance of education in overcoming poverty and oppression is a recurring theme in the novel.
5. Hope and Resilience: Despite the hardships faced by the main characters, the novel emphasizes the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The characters are shown to possess an indomitable spirit, and their determination to overcome their circumstances is a central theme in the novel.
6. Racism: The novel explores the theme of racism and its impact on individuals and society. The main characters are subjected to racial discrimination and prejudice, and the novel highlights the destructive effects of racism on individuals and communities.
7. Loss and Grief: The novel explores the theme of loss and grief, as the main character experiences the loss of his father and the impact it has on his family. The novel portrays the complex and profound emotions associated with loss and the struggle to come to terms with it.
8. Freedom and Equality: The novel highlights the struggle for freedom and equality faced by African-Americans in the South during the late 19th century. The novel emphasizes the importance of fighting for justice and equality in the face of oppression and discrimination.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery: Imagery is used throughout the novel to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the setting and characters. For example, the descriptions of the family’s home and the surrounding countryside are filled with sensory details that bring the story to life.
2. Symbolism: The novel is rich in symbolism, particularly in relation to the character of Sounder. Sounder represents the main character’s hope, resilience, and determination to overcome adversity.
3. Metaphor: Metaphors are used throughout the novel to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, the family’s struggle for justice is compared to a river that cannot be stopped.
4. Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is used in the novel to build suspense and tension. For example, the recurring image of the full moon is used to foreshadow important events in the story.
5. Irony: Irony is used in the novel to create a sense of contrast and highlight the absurdity of certain situations. For example, the fact that the family’s dog is named Sounder is ironic given that he loses his ability to bark.
6. Allusion: Allusions are used throughout the novel to reference other works of literature and historical events. For example, the main character’s desire to learn to read and write alludes to the struggles faced by African-Americans during the Jim Crow era.
7. Personification: Personification is used in the novel to give human qualities to non-human objects. For example, the river is personified as having a will of its own.
8. Flashback: Flashbacks are used throughout the novel to provide insight into the characters’ past experiences and motivations. For example, the main character’s memories of his father help to illuminate his character and the impact of his father’s absence.
9. Repetition: Repetition is used in the novel to create emphasis and reinforce certain ideas. For example, the repetition of the phrase “they caught him and they chained him” emphasizes the brutality and injustice of the system of forced labor.
10. Simile: Similes are used throughout the novel to create comparisons between different objects and ideas. For example, the main character’s hunger is compared to a fire burning inside him.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Sounder (the dog)	Sounder represents loyalty, perseverance, and the struggles faced by the African-American family in the story.
Walnut tree	The walnut tree symbolizes growth, change, and the passage of time, as the boy grows and learns throughout the novel.
The boy’s book	The book symbolizes knowledge, escape, and opportunity, as the boy learns to read and gains hope for a better future.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Sounder’s injury	Sounder’s injury foreshadows the suffering and hardship that the family will face after the father is arrested.
The father’s concern for the ham	The father’s unease about the ham he brings home foreshadows the trouble it will cause when he is accused of stealing it.
The boy’s desire to learn	The boy’s eagerness to learn to read foreshadows his eventual journey to school and the opportunities that will come from his education.

3. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The family’s cabin	Armstrong uses vivid imagery to describe the family’s small, impoverished cabin, emphasizing their difficult living conditions.
Sounder’s hunt	The detailed imagery of Sounder chasing raccoons through the woods captures the excitement and energy of the hunt.
The boy’s journey to find his father	The boy’s journey is filled with evocative imagery, creating a sense of the distance he travels and the obstacles he faces.

4. Simile

Example	Explanation
Sounder’s voice like a church bell	Sounder’s voice is compared to a church bell, emphasizing its strength and beauty, as well as its importance to the family.
The boy’s hunger like a gnawing animal	The boy’s hunger is compared to a gnawing animal, illustrating the intensity of the family’s poverty and need.
The boy’s struggle to read like trying to catch a fish with his hands	The boy’s difficulty learning to read is compared to trying to catch a fish with his hands, emphasizing the challenge and frustration he faces.

5. Personification

Example	Explanation
The cold wind biting	The cold wind is described as biting, emphasizing the harshness of the winter weather the family faces.
The sun creeping	The sun is described as creeping, creating a sense of the slow passage of time as the family endures their hardships.
The darkness closing in	The darkness is described as closing in, capturing the sense of despair and hopelessness that the family experiences at times.

FAQs 💭