Review of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad (2016) by Colson Whitehead is a powerful and haunting novel that reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as a literal underground train system, offering a compelling and fantastical twist on the true history of slavery in America. The story follows Cora, a young enslaved woman who escapes from a plantation in Georgia and embarks on a dangerous journey to freedom. As she travels on the literal Underground Railroad, Cora encounters a series of harrowing and unbelievable experiences that reveal the deep social and psychological costs of enslavement and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Through a narrative that combines historical fiction with elements of magical realism, Whitehead paints a vivid portrait of the brutal realities of slavery while also exploring themes of resilience, hope, and the fight for human dignity.

Themes in The Underground Railroad

  1. Slavery and Its Legacy: The novel is an unflinching exploration of slavery and its profound impact on both the individuals who endure it and the society that enables it. Whitehead depicts slavery not just as a legal institution but as a dehumanizing system that permeates every aspect of life, from family dynamics to identity, labor, and survival. Through Cora’s experiences, the novel examines how slavery strips people of their autonomy, humanity, and freedom. The brutality of slavery is portrayed in stark, unrelenting terms, emphasizing the physical, emotional, and psychological toll it takes on both the enslaved and those who benefit from the system. The novel also probes the legacy of slavery, showing how its scars persist long after slavery is formally abolished.

  2. Freedom and the Pursuit of It: The Underground Railroad centers on the concept of freedom—its importance, its cost, and the difficult choices that accompany the pursuit of it. Cora’s journey symbolizes the universal desire for autonomy, self-determination, and escape from oppression. As Cora travels on the underground train, the concept of freedom becomes increasingly complex, as she encounters places where freedom takes on different forms, from seemingly welcoming communities to those that enforce racial discrimination and control. The novel interrogates what freedom truly means, suggesting that it is not just the absence of physical chains but also the ability to make choices, to claim one’s identity, and to live without fear. Cora’s quest for freedom is an act of defiance against both slavery and the societal structures that seek to restrict Black people’s mobility and rights.

  3. Resistance and Revolt: The theme of resistance runs throughout the novel, as characters find ways to fight back against their enslavement. The Underground Railroad itself is an act of resistance, a secret network that allows enslaved people to escape to freedom. Throughout the novel, Cora and other characters engage in various forms of rebellion—from acts of physical defiance to more subtle, everyday forms of resistance. Whitehead presents resistance not as a single event but as a continuous and multifaceted struggle, both internal and external. The novel suggests that freedom can only be achieved through collective action and self-determination, whether through the efforts of individuals like Cora or through larger societal movements.

  4. Dehumanization and Identity: Throughout the novel, Whitehead explores the dehumanizing effects of slavery on both the enslaved and the enslavers. Slaves like Cora are treated as property, their worth measured solely by their labor. Their identities are stripped away, and their lives are controlled by others. Cora’s journey is not just physical but also one of reclaiming her selfhood and humanity. The novel also examines the ways in which racism and white supremacy operate as systems that define Black people’s identities based on inferiority. In contrast, characters like Cora, who fight for their freedom, demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and the power of identity in overcoming oppression. The theme of identity is explored through Cora’s development as a character who, through her experiences, gradually learns to assert her sense of self.

  5. The Power of Memory and Storytelling: Memory and storytelling are powerful tools for survival and resistance in The Underground Railroad. The novel frequently reflects on the importance of personal stories and the passing down of history to future generations. For Cora and other enslaved people, stories and memories are ways to hold onto their humanity and resist erasure. Whitehead uses storytelling as a means to explore the generational impact of slavery, as well as to emphasize how history is often shaped by the perspectives of those who tell it. The novel underscores the importance of remembering and telling stories of resistance and survival to ensure that the suffering of the past is not forgotten and that the struggles for justice continue in the present and future.

Character Roles in The Underground Railroad

  1. Cora: Cora is the protagonist of the novel and a symbol of the struggle for freedom and identity. She is a young, fierce, and resourceful woman who escapes from a plantation in Georgia and embarks on a journey through the Underground Railroad. Cora’s character represents the universal desire for autonomy and self-determination, and her journey is both physical and psychological. Throughout the novel, Cora’s character evolves from someone who is burdened by fear and uncertainty to someone who becomes empowered and defiant in the face of oppression. Her transformation is central to the novel’s exploration of human strength, resilience, and the complexities of survival in a world marked by violence and dehumanization.

  2. Caesar: Caesar is another key character who plays a pivotal role in Cora’s escape. He is a fellow enslaved man who assists Cora in her journey to freedom. Caesar’s character is marked by his courage and desire for liberation, but also by his personal flaws and moments of uncertainty. He represents the strength of the revolutionary spirit that fights for freedom and dignity, but also highlights the personal risks involved in the struggle against oppression. Through Caesar, Whitehead explores the theme of shared resistance and the complex alliances that are forged in the fight for liberation.

  3. Royal: Royal is a man who assists Cora during her journey and provides her with emotional support. He is an important figure in Cora’s growth, both as a friend and as a romantic interest. Through Royal, Cora is able to explore the possibility of love and human connection while continuing her journey for freedom. Royal’s character represents the idea that human relationships—even in the midst of struggle and suffering—are essential to survival and resilience. His relationship with Cora also serves as a reminder of the importance of community and solidarity in the fight for justice.

  4. Mabel: Mabel, Cora’s mother, is a pivotal character whose disappearance marks the beginning of Cora’s journey. Although she is not present for much of the novel, Mabel’s actions have a profound impact on Cora’s life. Mabel’s decision to abandon Cora in search of freedom serves as both a betrayal and a test of Cora’s strength. Her departure is symbolic of the difficult choices that enslaved people were forced to make in the pursuit of freedom, as well as the emotional toll that such decisions could take on individuals and families.

  5. The Slave Catchers: The slave catchers in the novel, particularly Arnold Ridgeway, represent the relentless forces of oppression and the dehumanizing nature of slavery. Ridgeway is a central antagonist who hunts Cora throughout the novel, embodying the institutionalized violence of the slave trade. His character is used to explore the theme of the corrupting power of institutionalized systems that profit from human suffering and exploitation. Ridgeway’s pursuit of Cora highlights the constant threat of violence and dehumanization that enslaved people faced.

Linguistic Tools in The Underground Railroad

  1. Magical Realism: One of the most striking aspects of The Underground Railroad is Whitehead’s use of magical realism, specifically the literal underground railroad that transports enslaved people through a physical railway system. This fantastical element serves to make the historic and grueling journey toward freedom both more immediate and symbolic. The underground railroad is both a real and metaphorical tool for escape, allowing Whitehead to blend the historical with the imaginary, creating a powerful narrative of liberation.

  2. Symbolism: Whitehead uses symbolism throughout the novel to deepen its exploration of slavery, freedom, and identity. The train symbolizes both the escape from oppression and the harsh reality of seeking freedom in a system that actively