Chapter 27

Chapter 27 begins with an intriguing interaction between Wiley and Daniel Decatur Emmett, a key member of the Virginia Minstrels. Emmett is in need of a new performer after the original tenor of the troupe was lost due to a drunken incident while traveling by train. He suggests the idea of recruiting a slave, Jim, whose voice he believes to be far superior to the former tenor, Raleigh Nuggets. Emmett hands Wiley tickets to the Minstrels’ next performance, clearly impressed by Jim’s vocal abilities and eager to add him to the troupe. He describes Jim’s voice as having immense potential, setting the stage for a transaction that will have significant implications for all involved.

As the conversation progresses, Emmett reveals that his interest goes beyond just hiring Jim for his singing talents—he wants to buy him outright. He offers two hundred dollars, a sum that shocks Wiley, especially since Jim does not have a bill of sale to authenticate his ownership. Emmett justifies his actions by explaining that in their society, ownership can be established simply through possession, and that the purchase of Jim would solidify his role in the Minstrels. Wiley, however, finds himself caught in a moral quandary, knowing the sale will have dire consequences for Jim but also recognizing the economic realities of the time. This discussion also brings up the controversial practice of blackface in their performances. Emmett casually mentions that the troupe uses boot polish to mimic black performers, highlighting the absurdity of their actions and the deep exploitation of black talent for white entertainment. This further complicates the situation for Wiley, who is already uneasy about the entire transaction.

As the deal progresses, Wiley remains reluctant to fully engage in the sale, directing Easter to fetch the necessary papers to formalize the bill of sale. Jim, witnessing the transaction, starts to comprehend the depth of his fate, realizing that he is once again being bought and sold as property, with little regard for his own agency. This realization forces him to confront the grim reality of his situation, where his worth is only measured by his voice, not by his humanity. The chapter makes a poignant statement about the dehumanization of slaves, reducing them to mere tools of labor and entertainment. Jim’s internal struggle is palpable as he quietly contemplates his lack of control over his life. Meanwhile, Emmett, oblivious to the emotional turmoil Jim is experiencing, expresses excitement about integrating him into their troupe. Emmett offers a handshake to Jim as a gesture of welcome, a moment that disorients both Jim and Wiley. The act of shaking hands, despite the oppressive context, marks a subtle shift in their relationship, moving Jim from the status of property to performer within the Minstrels’ group.

The transaction is completed, and Jim’s journey as a member of the Minstrels begins. Emmett’s enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the underlying tension of the situation. Although Jim is now part of the troupe, the fact remains that he is still under the ownership of the Minstrels, and his future is precariously tied to their success and their racist portrayal of blackness. The final moments of the chapter emphasize the complexity of race, identity, and ownership in the world of minstrel shows. As Jim steps into his new role, the consequences of this new chapter in his life are uncertain, and the reader is left to reflect on the deep contradictions that shape his existence. This chapter delves into the intricacies of power dynamics, race relations, and the commodification of black identity, leaving a lasting impact on the reader’s understanding of Jim’s complex situation within the minstrel world.