Mumbo Jumbo as a detective novel
The book Mumbo Jumbo presents itself as a detective novel, with Papa LaBas being the detective in this case. LaBas is a a Haïtian priest, and throughout the novel, he acts as an investigator who tries to find the Sacred Text of Jes Grew in order to bolster its strength. And yet, while in many ways it shares characteristics with many detective novels, it also differs greatly. This difference is in large part caused by reeds blending of cultures, ideas, and reality with fiction.
For one, rather than being a purely logical or 'real' chain of events, the mystery is mixed in with African and African American cultural elements such as folklore, jazz, and voodoo, that serve to not only enrich the narrative but also provide Reed's own cultural commentary. By mixing in these cultural threads to the story, Reed transcends the boundaries of typical detective novels, transforming it into a vibrant text that reflects the intricacies of African American culture and history. Moreover, it relies heavily on Egyptian mythology and other ancient belief systems, blurring the borders of reality and fiction. This again further reflects the representation of multiple cultures, while distorting the typical narrative of a rational mystery.
Another example of this 'diversion' from the norm is with the novels ending. Rather than having a clear cut solution to the novel, with Papa LaBas finding the Sacred Text and solving his mystery, Mumbo Jumbo again subverts expectations and instead provides no one 'truth'. LaBas grows old, Jes Grew dies out, and he is forced to wait several decades more for it to grow back again. Rather than a neatly solving a mystery, the readers are encouraged to ponder the intricacies of Reed's universe, where history and myth intersect.
I think that Mumbo Jumbo has many qualities of a detective novel, whether intentional or unintentional. The way Reed writes Mumbo Jumbo leads many readers scratching their heads, and there is certainly a lot of mystery in the book.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation Joseph! Many chapters of the book certainly do read like some sort of pulp detective novel. Given the decade the book was written, I definitely think this was on purpose with detective literature and satire being hallmarks of the modernist writing prevalent at the time. I thought the detective elements were fun and exciting. Great blogpost Joseph, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteYour post about Mumbo Jumbo as a "spin-off" of a particular genre is an interesting take. I agree, the ending does seem to have some deliberate and metaphorical meaning - furthering the novel's ambiguity and establishing the novel under some mysterious pretense.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting take on Mumbo Jumbo. After reading your blog post, I do agree that certain aspects within Reed's novel does point to a detective genre. Overall this is a really good blog post and I love the interesting take on it!
ReplyDeleteI never would have considered Mumbo Jumbo as a detective novel, especially with so many other things going on in the story, but in the way you explain, it makes a lot of sense! Rather than not identifying as a detective novel due to all the other mixed-in elements, I now see it as a detective novel further enhanced by these elements. Great post!
ReplyDeleteInteresting take on the novel. I initially wouldn't have thought of Mumbo Jumbo as a detective novel, but after reading your blog, I can see how it would fall in that category. In addition to the characters' roles, Reed's writing style also gives readers a sense of uncertainty, which could justify calling Mumbo Jumbo a detective novel. Overall, great post!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post, I can see your viewpoint of how Mumbo Jumbo disguises itself as a detective novel. With LaBas as a detective to find the Sacred Text for Jes Grew, and as he goes through twists and turns in the plot, the confusing archetype of the book symbolizes a puzzle or a detective novel in this case.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteGreat arguments! The subversion of the "detective novel" troupe largely mirrors the emergence of postmodernism, and Reed does take this on with a touch of irony. Reed further bolsters the argument that there is no one truth, rather multiple "truths" can coexist without contradicting each other.
Fantastic work Joseph!! I definitely agree with you about mumbo jumbo being a detective novel. I think you make great points about why the novel is a detective novel, with Papa LaBas searching for the truth to expose Hinkle Von Vampton. Keep up the great work!!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Joseph. I never thought of Mumbo Jumbo as a detective novel with Papa Labas as the detective, but it has become more clear to me now of that possibility. And I can see how it differs from normal detective novels with this unique kind of fusion with African American cultural elements. Great work.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a very interesting way of analyzing the novel. I did not think of Mumbo Jumbo as a detective novel, but I do see the parallels you are getting at. I think the whole arc of binding the patterns of the ancient past into the culture wars that we have today is similar to that of solving a mystery, and I like the point that you make about how the novel ends.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph. This was a really interesting post as I had never thought of Mumbo Jumbo as a detective novel due to the variety of subversions from the genre you mentioned, but at its core, you are correct in your observations of it being in the mystery genre. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about Mumbo Jumbo being a detective novel prior to reading this post, but I think you make an excellent case for it! It's a sort of postmodernist twist on one.
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