Comment on theme

Race and prejudice are important themes in the play. Prejudice is demonstrated against both African Americans and Jews. Several brief statements remind readers of the situation for African Americans in the South. Hoke tells Boolie that he has had a hard time finding a job, for "[T]hey hirin' young if they hirin' colored." Years later, Hoke refers to the fact that African Americans cannot use white facilities. Prejudice against Jews is demonstrated through the bombing of the temple and Boolie's reference to businessmen who dislike and stereotype Jews. He recognizes their belief that "as long as you got to deal with Jews, the really smart ones come from New York." Hoke also specifically mentions the way many Southerners feel toward Jews: "People always talkin "bout they stingy and they cheap, but doan' say none of that roun' me."