Arna Bontemps illustrates in his literary work “A Summer Tragedy” the terrible story of two old persons, Jeff and Jennie Patton, who take their lives in order to free themselves from poverty. The story was published in 1933, a bleak period in world history that is exemplified by the Great Depression, lack of jobs, drought and segregation. The story emphasizes some of the economic, physical and mental elements that had a great impact on Jeff and …showed first 75 words of 1929 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1929 total…He introduces to the readers the reality of his culture, a part of African American heritage, combined with merciless and severe history. “A Summer Tragedy” is a remarkable work in which destiny sets people’s lives in situations they cannot escape. The characters challenge important aspects like economic, physical, and mental constraints. They succeed in free themselves from poverty by taking away their lives, which in finality becomes an act full of grandeur and dignity.