There were times reading Alice Dunbar-Nelson\u2019s play \u201cMine Eyes Have Seen\u201d when I felt the play defied Moral Criticism. Ugly things are said, for example when Harvey says that children were crucified in the war, and Chris responds, \u201cWell, what\u2019s that to us? They\u2019re little white children.\u201d But then Dan says, \u201cHush, Chris, It is not for us to visit retribution. Nor to wish hatred on others\u2026Love of humanity is above the small considerations of time or place or race or sect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that teaches piety and virtue, as Plato envisioned. In fact, the whole play can be seen as uplifting, even though the subject is depressing. An African-American family is living in a tenement in the north because they were burned out of their house down south. Their father was shot and their mother died of disease. One brother, Dan, was crippled in a factory accident. Sister Lucy cares for Dan and the house. Brother Chris tries to support them all, but finds out he is drafted in WWI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As sad as this is, the family is quite noble and uplifting. They love and care for each other. And Dan reminds the others that African-Americans have always fought in the country\u2019s wars. \u201cThey went in 1776\u2026Ours was the first blood shed on the altar of National liberty. We went in 1812 Our men were through the struggles of 1861..they were there in 1898.\u201d Their pride, honor and sacrifice comes through.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There were times reading Alice Dunbar-Nelson\u2019s play \u201cMine Eyes Have Seen\u201d when I felt the play defied Moral Criticism. Ugly things are said, for example when Harvey says that children were crucified in the war, and Chris responds, \u201cWell, what\u2019s that to us? They\u2019re little white children.\u201d But then Dan says, \u201cHush, Chris, It is … Continue reading Dunbar-Nelson<\/span>