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William Melvin Kelley
William Melvin Kelley is the author featured in Prentice Hall Literature. His work is a great way to explore classic and impactful writing.
A different drummer
- Pages
- 336
- Published
- 1962
- Language
- English
Synopsis
In a Southern state, an entire Black community decides to leave for the North. This novel explores the profound impact of this mass exodus on both those who leave and those who remain. It's a story about identity, community, and the search for a new beginning.
Genres
Characters
The CommunityProtagonist
Frequently asked questions
What inspired A Different Drummer?
William Melvin Kelley drew inspiration from a satirical essay by George S. Schuyler titled "The North Star," which imagined a mass exodus of Black Americans from the South. Kelley's novel explores the profound social and psychological impact such an event would have on both the departing community and the remaining white residents.
How does A Different Drummer connect to William Melvin Kelley's other works?
A Different Drummer introduces the fictional New Marsallas, a Southern town that reappears in several of Kelley's later novels, including "A Drop of Patience" and "dem." This recurring setting allows him to further explore themes of race, identity, and community within a consistent literary universe.
Is A Different Drummer taught in schools or universities?
A Different Drummer is frequently included in American literature and African American studies curricula at the university level. It is valued for its innovative narrative structure and its exploration of racial dynamics and identity during the Civil Rights era.