Mumbo Jumbo

Mumbo Jumbo is associated with Afrofuturist literature. Do some research on Afrofuturism and then discuss how Mumbo Jumbo fits (or doesn’t fit) within this genre. Use specific examples from the novel.

Allegorical characters are ones who represent hidden meanings or ideas. In Mumbo Jumbo, are any of the characters allegorical? If so, how? If not, why not?

In what ways does Von Vampton attempt to tokenize Black artists? How might this advance his agenda? Use specific examples from the text.

In Mumbo Jumbo, Reed incorporates real historical figures and puts them into action alongside fictitious characters. What is the value in doing this? How might the use of historical figures advance the book’s plot or themes?

Berbelang decides to leave the Mumbo Jumbo Kathedral. What compels him to do this? How does this impact LaBas?

Choose two or three characters from the novel. By the end of the book, do they show signs of growth or change? How so/why not? Use specific examples from the text as evidence.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines satire as a “work of art which uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize prevailing immorality or foolishness, especially as a form of social or political commentary.” Does Mumbo Jumbo fit within this definition of satire? How so/why not? Use specific examples from the text.

Von Vampton never manages to find a Black person to be his Talking Android. Rather, he resorts to using Gould in blackface. How does Von Vampton’s failure to find a Black Android influence the story’s outcome? What does this failure say about the author’s portrayal of Black artists in Harlem?