The Positive and Negative Sides of Family in Sing, Unburied, Sing

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward dives into the intricacies of family relationships, defining present difficulties that may occur, in addition to the unconditional love and support families can encompass. The novel provides a deep analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of family connections in times of adversity through the experiences of Jojo, and his family situation. 

    Throughout the novel we see highlights of the positive effects of family, such as the power of love and support. One example, specifically, is how Jojo’s family is a source of love, care, support, and happiness. We see this in chapter 12, when Richie watches River make breakfast for Jojo and Kayla, saying, “I would give anything to taste bread made with such care” (Ward 239). Demonstrating his jealousy in the unconditional care and loving environment that is possessed in this moment of the novel. In addition to this, we see more positive effects of family through shared experiences, and resilience. The novel includes struggles with poverty, racism, and especially with loss. We see throughout the development of the plot how it creates a strong bond and connection between the family. Furthermore, through Pop, we see how wisdom and guidance for Jojo and Kayla serve them valuable lessons about life and death in the novel. Demonstrating the positive effects of Pop’s wisdom and his importance to the family.

    On the other hand, Ward makes it clear throughout the actions of characters in the novel that not all sides of family are positive. I believe that we see the majority of this through Leonie, and how her drug addiction, insane devotion to Michael, and actions have negatively distorted her love and any caring connection she has with her children. For example, after getting Michael from Parchman, Leonie and her children are on the way back home when Leonie swallows the entire bag of meth before the police pull the car over (Ward 161). Not only is this irresponsible, and direct evidence to her addiction, it puts Leonie in a position where she cannot do anything to protect her children. She says, “And when he (Jojo) starts reaching into his pocket and the officer draws his gun on him, points it at his face…I should scream, but I can’t” (Ward 163). The scene is evidence to Leonie’s dilemma; she clearly loves her children, but her paralyzing addiction overrides her parental instinct to help and protect them. Every time, she chooses her drug addiction over her duties as a mother she continues to harm that relationship, and proves to her children that she is deficient as a mother. Further demonstrating how Ward uses Leonie to depict the negative effects of family in her novel. 

    In conclusion, Sing, Unburied, Sing provides a detailed examination of two sides of family, analyzing both the positive and negative counterparts displayed through the novel. The book highlights strength, love, support, and shared positive experiences in families, but also outlines the difficulties brought upon a family as a result of trauma, dysfunction, and consequences of past injustice. Ward demonstrates the ways in which family connections can both benefit and hurt people via the experiences of Jojo, Kayla, Pop, and Leonie. Overall, the book is a serving reminder of the impact of human connection.