“Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

“Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks first appeared in his 1981 short story collection, Trailerpark. This work exemplifies Banks’ talent for crafting nuanced narratives. Through a deceptively simple set-up and spare dialogue, the story evokes a complex emotional landscape, rich with unspoken tension and societal weight. The characters’ motivations and anxieties simmer beneath the surface, leaving readers to engage in a deeper process of interpretation.

Main Events: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

1. The Stifling Heat: The story opens during a punishing August heatwave. The air hangs thick with haze, the lake shimmers, and even insects fall silent.
2. Daily Grind: Trailer park residents emerge slowly, with resignation, to their jobs – a nurse, bank teller, carpenter. Even the babysitter-bound child moves with reluctance.
3. Community Observation: Residents find respite from the baking trailers. An older woman reads, a man waters his garden, a woman gets the mail, a teen smokes while lost in thought. An old man scrapes paint off a boat.
4. The Encounter: The old man watches as a young, fit Black man prepares to fish. He warns about the heat, but the man dismisses the concern. A young, blonde White woman joins him.
5. Heading Out: They row a faded, bottle-green rowboat out onto the lake. The man rows smoothly, the woman applies tanning lotion, each seemingly absorbed in their own thoughts.
6. Conversation Begins: The woman admires the man’s physique, comparing him to a sheik, then a galley slave. They row further out, now a significant distance from the trailer park.
7. Weighty Discussion: The woman laments gaining weight, blaming her eating habits. The man counters. She reveals telling her mother about their relationship, which unfolds further…
8. Confronting Reality: Her mother, surprisingly, is accepting. The man is visibly upset as tensions mount within the boat.
9. The Secret: The woman drops the revelation: she plans an abortion that afternoon and her mother will support her. The man reacts with intense anger and disappointment.
10. Ouch! In frustration, the man digs through his tackle box and painfully hooks his hand on a multi-pronged lure. The woman shows a momentary flicker of concern.
11. Futile Fishing: The man fishes without success. His failure reflects the mounting futility of their situation and his feelings of powerlessness.
12. A Cutting Wish: Overwhelmed, the man voices aloud that he wishes he could abandon the woman on the island. She visibly recoils in fear.
13. Silence and Separation: The man rows them away in strained silence. They’re isolated from the trailer park by the bend of the island.
14. Return to Reality: Back at the beach, with the weight of unspoken feelings, they disembark. Neighbors observe – the old man in the water, the manager, the teen – sensing the drama.
15. The Aftermath: The man departs wordlessly, the woman returns home. The oppressive heatwave continues, mirroring the unresolved tension lingering between them, and within the community that has witnessed their exchange.

Literary Devices: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

Literary Device	Example
Alliteration	“blond boy”, “large, rounded rocks”
Allusion	“Daddy… Hated niggers.”
Anaphora	“I suppose so. I don’t like fishing anyhow.”
Assonance	“Her long, honey-blond hair swung”
Consonance	“Cooling her feet and ankles”
Foreshadowing	“It’ll be lousy.”
Hyperbole	“The water was as slick as oil”
Imagery	“Large, rounded rocks lay around the island”
Irony	“I don’t like fishing anyhow.”
Metaphor	“the vanilla bottoms of his feet”
Onomatopoeia	“clunked against the side of the boat”
Oxymoron	“large, dark feet”
Personification	“the air thick and still”
Simile	“the texture of old leather”
Symbolism	“The water was deep there, and below the surface and buried in the mud were blocks of stone and wooden lattices”
Synecdoche	“cooling her feet and ankles”
Tone	The overall tone of the story is somber and tense.
Understatement	“It was very hot, and no one said anything.”
Verbal Irony	“I wish I could just leave you here.”
Parallelism	“He rowed, and they said nothing more”

Characterization: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

The Black Man:

• Age: Young, physically fit (described as tall, muscular)
• Frustrated: Shown through dismissive replies to the old man’s warnings, and the outburst about leaving the woman on the island.
• Powerless: The lack of fish and the woman’s decision highlight his limited control over the situation.
• Protective: Briefly concerned when the woman shows fear after his comment about leaving her behind.
• Deeply affected: The anger and disappointment following the abortion reveal his emotional investment in the relationship and the situation.

The White Woman:

• Age: Young, possibly early twenties (described as a girl)
• Dependent: Relies on the man to row the boat and carries leisure items like a magazine and tanning lotion.
• Anxious: Shown in her concern about weight gain and her nervous glance around after the man’s comment about leaving her.
• Forthright: Reveals personal details about her relationship and medical procedure to the man.
• Conflicted: The abortion decision seems difficult, but she finds support from her mother.

Additional Characters:

• The Old Man: Observant, offers unsolicited advice, perhaps reflecting the social norms of the time regarding interracial relationships.
• Trailer Park Residents: Mostly unseen but create a backdrop of routine and quiet desperation in the oppressive heat.

Characterization Techniques:

• Indirect Characterization: We learn most about the characters through their actions, dialogue, and the way they interact with each other and their environment.
• Social Context: The story subtly hints at societal disapproval of interracial relationships through the old man’s observation and the potential discomfort of the trailer park residents.
• Symbolism: The dark green rowboat could symbolize their isolated relationship, adrift in a sea of unspoken emotions. The heatwave could represent the intensity of their situation.

Limitations:

Due to the story’s limited scope, the characters remain somewhat underdeveloped. Their names are withheld, and their motivations and backstories are unclear.

Major Themes: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

1. Racial Prejudice and Power Dynamics: The story explores the complex dynamics of race and power, portraying how societal prejudices shape relationships. For example, the unnamed black man’s unease in the affluent white neighborhood highlights the enduring effects of racial discrimination. His cautiousness when encountering the police boat underscores the pervasive fear experienced by black individuals due to institutionalized racism.
2. Intimacy and Vulnerability: The rowboat becomes a metaphor for intimacy, as the characters’ physical closeness mirrors their emotional vulnerability. The white woman’s confession of her past relationship reveals her desire for connection and understanding, while the black man’s reticence hints at his reluctance to fully trust due to societal barriers.
3. Escape and Freedom: The rowboat symbolizes freedom and escape from societal constraints. Both characters seek refuge from their respective troubles, whether it’s the woman’s failed marriage or the man’s struggle against racial discrimination. Their shared desire to navigate the waters represents a yearning for liberation and autonomy beyond the confines of societal norms.
4. Ambiguity and Consequence: The story is rife with ambiguity, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of the characters’ actions. The abrupt ending leaves their fate uncertain, inviting reflection on the complexities of race, privilege, and personal responsibility. The ambiguous nature of their relationship prompts questions about the enduring impact of racial tensions and societal expectations on individual lives.

Writing Style: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

• Sparse Prose: The story uses short, declarative sentences, focusing on actions and descriptions rather than elaborate exposition. This creates a sense of immediacy and allows the reader to fill in the emotional gaps.
• Vivid Description: Banks paints a clear picture of the setting, using details about the oppressive heat, the stillness of the lake, and the rundown trailer park. This creates a sense of atmosphere that reflects the emotional tension between the characters.
• Focus on Dialogue: The dialogue is direct and reveals the characters’ personalities and the conflict brewing beneath the surface. However, it’s sparse, leaving room for unspoken emotions and reader interpretation.
• Subtlety: The story’s power lies in its understatement. Banks avoids over-explaining emotions or motivations, letting the reader infer them from the characters’ words, actions, and body language.
• Shifting Focus: The narrative shifts between objective descriptions of the setting and close-ups on the characters’ actions and interactions. This allows the reader to feel the heat of the day and also get a glimpse into the characters’ inner turmoil.

Possible Influences:

• Hemingway: The sparse prose and focus on unspoken emotions might be reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway’s work.

Effects of the Style:

• Tension: The minimalist style creates a sense of suspense and tension, as the reader anticipates what will be revealed next.
• Emotional Impact: The story’s power comes from its emotional resonance. By leaving space for interpretation, Banks allows the reader to connect with the characters’ unspoken feelings.
• Universality: The story transcends race by focusing on the complexities of human relationships, loss, and difficult choices.

Literary Theories and Interpretation: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Key Points
Reader-Response Theory	The reader fills in the emotional gaps and interprets the characters’ motivations based on their own experiences and perspectives.	The story’s sparse dialogue and limited backstory invite reader participation. The reader can interpret the characters’ unspoken emotions and the significance of their actions.
Socialist/Marxist Criticism	The story explores the power dynamics within the relationship and the potential societal disapproval of interracial relationships.	The Black man may represent a marginalized group with less control in the relationship and society at large. The trailer park setting suggests a working-class environment where interracial relationships might be uncommon.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	The story can be viewed through the lens of repressed desires and unspoken fears.	The characters’ inability to communicate openly could be a defense mechanism to avoid deeper emotional pain. The abortion could symbolize the death of their relationship and potential future.
Feminist Criticism	The story explores the woman’s agency and societal expectations placed on women.	While the woman initiates the conversation about the abortion, her decision is ultimately influenced by her mother’s support. The story leaves the reader questioning societal expectations regarding female sexuality and reproductive choices.
Symbolism	The story uses symbolic elements to enhance meaning.	* The dark green rowboat: Could symbolize their isolated relationship adrift in a sea of unspoken emotions. * The heatwave: Represents the intensity of their situation and the pressure they both feel. * The island: A temporary escape that ultimately leads them back to the reality of their circumstances.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements: “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statement
Racial Prejudice	How does racial prejudice manifest in the story?	In “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat,” Russell Banks explores the insidious impact of racial prejudice on interpersonal dynamics, revealing how societal biases permeate individual experiences.
Power Dynamics	What power dynamics are at play between the characters?	Through nuanced character interactions, Banks highlights the complex power dynamics shaped by race, class, and gender, underscoring the ways in which privilege and marginalization intersect in relationships.
Intimacy and Vulnerability	How do the characters’ vulnerabilities contribute to their intimacy?	The rowboat serves as a metaphor for emotional vulnerability, illustrating how the characters’ shared experiences of vulnerability foster a deep sense of intimacy amidst societal barriers.
Escape and Freedom	What does the rowboat symbolize in terms of escape and freedom?	In “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat,” the rowboat represents a symbolic means of escape from societal constraints, embodying the characters’ shared longing for liberation and autonomy.
Ambiguity and Consequence	How does Banks use ambiguity to convey the story’s themes?	Through its ambiguous ending and open-ended narrative structure, “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” prompts readers to confront the consequences of societal prejudices and personal choices.

Short Questions/Answers about“Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

• Question: What is the central conflict of the story?
• Answer: The central conflict revolves around the unwanted pregnancy and the woman’s decision to have an abortion, which the man deeply opposes. This creates tension and highlights the lack of communication and differing desires within the relationship. (Example: “He yanked his hand free of the box…He looked at the girl in rage. ‘What? Are you all right?'” This outburst follows the woman revealing her abortion plans.)
• Question: How does the setting contribute to the story?
• Answer: The oppressive heatwave mirrors the emotional tension between the characters. The stillness and isolation of the lake echo their unspoken feelings. The trailer park setting suggests a working-class environment where their interracial relationship might be unconventional. (Example: “The air thick and still…No birds moved or sang; even the insects were silent.”)
• Question: What can we learn about the characters through their dialogue?
• Answer: The man’s frustration and anger are evident in his short replies and tense language. The woman’s坦白 (tǎnbó) confession (confession) reveals her honesty but also a hint of dependence on her mother’s approval. (Example: “‘I hate this whole thing. Hate. Just know that much, will you?'” This quote showcases the man’s anger.)
• Question: How does the story end, and what is the effect?
• Answer: The story ends with an unresolved tension. They return to the shore without speaking, and the weight of unspoken emotions hangs heavy. This unresolved ending leaves the reader pondering the characters’ futures and the impact of their choices. (Example: “The man left without a word, the woman returned to her trailer. The oppressive heatwave continued…”)

Literary Works Similar to “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

1. “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin: This short story delves into the complexities of race, family, and identity through the relationship between two brothers in Harlem. Baldwin’s exploration of the African American experience and the struggle for personal and artistic expression resonates thematically with Banks’ work.
2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker: Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the journey of Celie, an African American woman, as she navigates oppression, abuse, and ultimately finds strength and liberation. Like Banks, Walker examines the intersecting themes of race, gender, and power dynamics within the context of American society.
3. Beloved by Toni Morrison: Morrison’s haunting novel explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American identity. Through the character of Sethe, a former slave grappling with trauma and memory, Morrison delves into themes of history, trauma, and the quest for freedom.
4. Native Son by Richard Wright: Wright’s seminal novel follows Bigger Thomas, a young African American man living in Chicago, whose life is irrevocably changed after he accidentally kills a white woman. Through Bigger’s story, Wright offers a searing critique of systemic racism and its dehumanizing effects on individuals.
5. Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin: In this novel, Baldwin explores themes of sexuality, identity, and societal expectations through the relationship between an American man living in Paris and an Italian bartender named Giovanni. The novel’s exploration of love and desire amidst societal pressures resonates thematically with Banks’ examination of intimacy and vulnerability.

Suggested Readings about/on “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

Primary Source:
• Banks, Russell. Trailerpark. Viking, 1981. (The short story collection containing “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat”)
Secondary Sources:
Websites:
o Banks, Russell. “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat.” Mississippi Review 10.1/2 (1981): 42-49.
o SparkNotes. sparknotes.com. (Check the website for analyses of Russell Banks’ work, which might include “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat”)
Journal Articles:
o Banks, Russell. “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat.” Mississippi Review 10.1/2 (1981): 42-49.
• News Articles:
o https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/books/review/russell-banks-by-the-book.html

Quotes from “Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat” by Russell Banks

Quote	Context
“IT WAS THE THIRD DAY OF AN AUGUST HEAT WAVE.”	The opening line sets the scene, establishing the oppressive heat and the time of year. This creates the backdrop for the events that follow, emphasizing the discomfort and lethargy experienced by the characters.
“Within an hour of the sun’s rising above the spruce and pine trees… so that, from the short, sandy spit… you couldn’t see the far shore of the lake.”	Describes the thick haze that blankets the area, obscuring visibility and adding to the stifling atmosphere. This visual imagery underscores the intensity of the heat wave and contributes to the sense of isolation felt by the characters.
“When he reached the shore, he dried himself and walked back to his trailer… the water was smooth again, a dark green plain beneath the thick, gray-blue sky.”	After the man’s swim, the tranquility of the scene is restored momentarily. This contrasts with the earlier description of the hazy lake, highlighting the temporary respite from the oppressive conditions.
“Time passed, and the trailerpark was silent again… and the people would come out and try to find a shady place to sit.”	Illustrates the languid pace of life in the trailer park during the heat wave. The stillness and lethargy among the residents reflect the oppressive weather conditions, emphasizing the desire for relief from the heat.
“The girl was a girl, actually, twenty or maybe twenty-one… Her long, honey-blond hair swung from side to side…”	Provides a description of the young woman who later joins the black man in the rowboat. This physical description sets her apart from the other characters and emphasizes her youth and attractiveness.
“The old man said that it was too hot for fishing… Right, the young man said, smiling. Good question.”	The exchange between the old man and the young black man introduces their interaction and establishes the setting’s oppressive heat. The young man’s response with a smile suggests a sense of humor and resilience despite the uncomfortable conditions.
“She made a brief remark about the heat to the old man… and helped the young man shove the boat off the hot sand.”	Describes the interaction between the young woman and the old man before she joins the young man in the rowboat. Her comment about the heat indicates her acknowledgment of the oppressive weather, while her assistance in launching the boat suggests her willingness to engage in the activity despite the discomfort.
“They were a long way out now, perhaps a half-mile from the trailerpark… It gave the place a history and a certain significance.”	Reflects on the historical context of the area, mentioning the presence of Indian fishing weirs beneath the surface of the lake. This detail adds depth to the setting, hinting at the rich cultural heritage of the region and its significance to the characters’ lives.
“‘I told Mother,’ she repeated… ‘I told her everything.’”	Reveals a significant conversation between the young woman and her mother, indicating that she has disclosed important information about her relationship with the young black man. This dialogue highlights the girl’s openness and honesty with her mother, setting the stage for further discussion between the characters.
“‘I wish I could just leave you here,’ he said… finally, the man slipped the oars into the oarlocks and started rowing.”	Expresses the man’s internal conflict and frustration with the situation, suggesting a desire to escape or avoid the impending decisions and consequences. This statement underscores the tension between the characters and hints at the complexities of their relationship, adding depth to their interaction and the story’s themes.