Pedagogy

Gary Paulsens book entitled Nightjohn is an epic tale about Sarny, a twelve-year old African-American slave girl in ante-bellum south. Sarny is described by the people as dumb because of her stuck tongue. She is a heroine who harbours rebellious thoughts against her masters.

The storys setting is prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. Sarny is trying to cope up with slavery every single day of her life. She was set apart from her mother when she was sold. The story revolves around the lives of field workers and their children who all work for Waller as slaves. Waller is a selfish, cruel and brutal man who owns the plantation. Sarny is dealing with hopelessness when Nightjohn, a former slave-turned-rebel who ran away, comes along. Nightjohn is characterized by his telltale scars around his body. He came back to teach the slaves how to read. He is described by the author as courageous and self-sacrificing.

Sarny became interested with Nightjohn upon learning that when he escaped, he went north where freedom awaits only to come back to the south. Nightjohn then begins to teach Sarny how to read and write after field work when everybody else is already asleep. As slaves, such act is considered as a crime that is punishable by death.

When Mammy, the mother figure of the children in the plantation finds out about this, she got angry but later on allowed Sarny to learn. Due to her overwhelming happiness, Sarny started writing words on dirt and anywhere else where she is not supposed to. She had proven to herself and to others that she is not dumb but rather an intelligent girl who is capable of learning.

When their master, Waller, finally finds out he started questioning Mammy who in turn denies that somebody is teaching Sarny how to read and write. Waller then punishes Mammy through brutal whips and lashes but Nightjohn got in the way to take the blame. Nightjohn is then subjected to brutal punishment. The story is being told from Sarnys perspective and makes use of the first person narrative in relaying the story.

The books theme reflects the hardships that African-Americans had to endure at that time some of which are slavery, discrimination and deprivation.

In all its essence, this book is highly recommended for young readers who need to become aware about the implications of racial discrimination. It also emphasizes the importance of literacy regardless of ones race, social standing and situation. Moreover, it teaches lessons about perseverance and sacrifice. The story can also provoke a lot of emotional responses making it one true masterpiece. Adolescent readers can benefit from the morals of the story.