In Charles W. Chesnutt’s “The Wife of His Youth,” Horatio Green and Mr. Ryder are doubled and thus stand in indirect contrast with one another, representing something of an inversion where identity and social standing become concerned for persons of mixed race just after the War Between the States. Indeed, their choices and actions reveal different sides of their personalities and values, offering insight into race, class, and individual agency.
The hero, Mr. Ryder, embodies the ideals and aspirations of the Blue Vein Society. He is popular in the community for his peerless appearance, refined literature tastes, and societal leadership. Ryder hosting a grand ball serves nothing more than a desire to uphold the same standards and seal his position in the same. His careful plans and thorough preparations are clear signs of his intention to show the face of sophistication and distinction, as he hopes it will be seen and which he feels is instead disappearing into the horizon (Chesnutt, 1899). The fact that he intends to marry Mrs. Molly Dixon, a lady above him in the social station and education, further accentuates Ryder’s attempts at bettering himself and assimilating into white society. Despite his racial indistinctness, Ryder desires to enter into a matrimonial relationship with one who represents the features of such gradations and characteristics specific to people of culture within a people of color identity. His romantic attachment to Mrs. Dixon shows his longing for approval from white and black societies as an affront to the struggle within the self for identity and belongingness.
On the other side, the long-lost husband of the old lady, Horatio Green, is everything that Mr. Ryder is not. His absence from the Blue Vein Society and a long search for his wife goes into a more extended narrative of racial identity and resilience. Horatio Green differs from Mr. Ryder because he does not care much about what white people may think of him, which could enhance his status (Chesnutt, 1899). His main goal is to reunite with his wife, who represents love, faithfulness, and strong bonding. Even if Green faced problems and suspicions, his belief in the most potent power would stay constant for years.
Green represents simplicity, humility, and simple life values. Everything contradicts Ryder’s ambition to look like a sophisticated and ambitious personality. While Ryder tries his best for appearances and adheres to some social rules, Green cares only about finding his wife, no matter their social level (Chesnutt, 1899). He is a big believer in searching for her in different places, which shows his point of being determined and strengthened in different cultures
In conclusion, the characters of Mr. Ryder and Horatio Green in “The Wife of His Youth” show us much about race, society, and personal choice post-Civil War in America. The author has contrasted these personal stories and actions with such themes as fitting in and being able to love someone enough to overcome prejudices. Both characters reflect different experiences and points of hope within the colored community during this critical era in American history.
Reference
Chesnutt, C. W. (1899). Charles W. Chesnutt was the wife of his youth. https://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/maai2/identity/text1/chesnuttyouth.pdf.
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