Introduction
In a critique of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, his decision to reimagine the historical Underground Railroad as an actual underground railroad system has been described as a “chronological jumble” (Solly 13). This unconventional portrayal serves as a metaphor for the network of abolitionists, guides, and conductors who aided enslaved individuals in their quest for freedom. This essay will explore the effect and purpose of this sci-fi rendition and analyze Cora’s experience of traveling on the fictional railroad. Ultimately, this imaginative and anachronistic depiction enables Whitehead to broaden the scope of his exploration, yielding a unique perspective that delves into the underlying truths of America’s history.
Textual Description of the Railroad
To better understand the reasoning behind Whitehead’s creative decision, one first needs to delve into how the eponymous railroad has been described in the text. Initially, the description of the colossal tunnel with its “walls lined with alternating dark and light colored stones” evokes a sense of awe and grandeur (Whitehead 66). The “sheer industry” behind such a project conveys the immense effort and labor that went into constructing the railroad (Whitehead 66). This is a symbol for the monumental task of both building and maintaining a system that facilitates the escape of enslaved individuals.
The depiction highlights the magnitude of the struggle for freedom and the dedication of those who assisted and sheltered fugitive slaves. The inclusion of the “steel rails” running the length of the tunnel, seemingly originating from an unimaginable source and heading towards an extraordinary destination, adds an element of mystery and wonder (Whitehead 67). This representation of the railroad as a miraculous and enigmatic force emphasizes its transformative power, both physically and metaphorically. It suggests that the Underground Railroad is not merely a means of transportation but a conduit for liberation and hope.
Cora’s Experience of the Railroad
Unlike the railroad’s impressive presentation, Cora’s experience of travel on it is portrayed as a treacherous journey. The unpredictability, reflecting the complexities of the historical Underground Railroad system, is best observed in the chapter “North Carolina.” When a train initially passes her without stopping, Cora’s determination drives her to give chase, shouting for the train to halt. Due to her insistence, the young engineer relents, even though picking up passengers was not part of his intended agenda (Whitehead 139).
This encounter highlights the ad hoc nature of the Underground Railroad, where the resourcefulness of those involved often determined the course of action. It is worth noting that the novel intentionally maintains a level of vagueness regarding the inner workings of the railroad system. This deliberate choice reflects the historical reality that details about routes, methods, and the people involved were often kept secret to protect the lives of fugitive slaves and those assisting them. By leaving certain aspects vague, the author underscores the metaphorical construction of the Underground Railroad in the novel.
Furthermore, the complexities and compromises encountered by Cora during her railroad journey mirror those faced by fugitive slaves throughout history. The historical Underground Railroad was far from a guaranteed path to safety; fugitives had to navigate uncertain circumstances, rely on the discretion of individuals along the way, and sometimes face setbacks and disappointments. Cora faces a strikingly similar path, as every state she visits shows a different side of America’s racism.
On a deeper level, this is reflected in the railroad’s imperfections, as Cora is forced to plead to be taken on a train (Whitehead 139). The novel’s incorporation of these fault lines within the analogy serves as a reminder of the intricate and arduous nature of the fugitive slave experience. The depiction transcends the simplified notion of the railroad as a straightforward route to freedom.
In later chapters, the arduous nature of the journey is continued further. As she leaves behind the oppressive and violent realities of her past, represented by the “counterfeit sanctuaries” and the brutality of Valentine farm, she enters the darkness of the tunnel with a glimmer of hope (Whitehead 275). She envisions an uncertain future ahead, either an exit leading to freedom or a dead end, a cruel twist of fate. This reflects the precarious nature of her escape and the risks involved in seeking freedom.
As Cora moves forward, her progress is impeded by her physical ailments, causing her to limp and stumble over the crossties. Yet, she reaches out and touches the tunnel walls, feeling “the ridges and pockets” that “resemble the contours of a new nation hidden beneath the old” (Whitehead 275). This tactile experience becomes a metaphorical connection to the true essence of America. While she cannot see it with her eyes, Cora senses its presence and moves through its heart, reinforcing her determination to reach freedom.
The Metaphor and Purpose Behind the Railroad
The metaphor of the Railroad being America itself can be understood further if one remembers Cora’s previous experience with the station agent Lumbly. His parting words to Cora were: “If you want to see what this nation is all about, I always say, you have to ride the rails. Look outside as you speed through, and you’ll find the true face of America”(Whitehead 69).
The concept of the underground railroad, as described by Lumbly, represents a powerful metaphor for the essence of America. While America is built upon the foundational principles of freedom, it also carries the weight of its dark history, characterized by the systemic abuse and subjugation of enslaved people and Native Americans. By presenting an alternative version of the railroad in a “sci-fi” context, the author can paint the depth and complexity of this tension. It is with this quote that the railroad becomes a symbolic journey, a means of exploring the true face of America. The imagined railroad serves as a metaphorical exploration of the dualistic nature of America, exposing the struggle between hope and despair, as well as progress and stagnation.
The final reason for incorporating a physical railroad into the narrative is that it enables Whitehead’s novel to expand the scope of the Underground Railroad beyond its historical timeframe. By intertwining the narrative with references to later events and movements in African American history, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the eugenics movement, the novel demonstrates the ongoing impact of slavery and racism (Solly 13). This broader perspective helps readers understand that the fight for racial equality and justice did not end with the abolition of slavery but continues to be a struggle in different forms.
Whitehead’s Portrayal and the Real Underground Railroad
As the reasons behind Whitehead’s creative decision have been made clear, the reader is left to consider what historical connections can be drawn to the actual Underground Railroad. Indeed, while the novel takes liberties with the portrayal of the Underground Railroad as a literal train system, it draws on recognizable historical moments and patterns to create a compelling narrative (Solly 13).
The novel’s reimagining of the Underground Railroad as a physical train system with hidden stations and conductors emphasizes the clandestine nature of the historical network. Behind the artful imagery provided by Whitehead, the reader can infer the covert and dangerous operations that were necessary to assist enslaved individuals in their escape. Thus, one can argue that this fictional representation serves as a vivid metaphor for the secret paths, safe houses, and abolitionist networks that comprised the real Underground Railroad.
Conclusion
Colson Whitehead’s novel The Underground Railroad offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the historical Underground Railroad through the lens of magical realism. By transforming the network of abolitionists and conductors into a railroad system hidden under the earth’s surface, Whitehead enables readers to engage with the story in a way that amplifies its impact.
This imaginative rendition not only adds an element of wonder to the narrative but also enables more profound exploration of the broader themes and underlying truths of America’s history. Through Cora’s experiences on the fictional railroad, readers gain a heightened understanding of the dangers, sacrifices, and triumphs associated with the real-life journey to freedom. Whitehead’s approach encourages readers to reflect on the significance of the Underground Railroad and its enduring relevance in shaping American collective memory and understanding of America’s past.
Works Cited
Solly, Melian. “The True Story of ‘The Underground Railroad’.” Smithsonian Magazine, 2021.
Whitehead, Colson. The Underground Railroad. Doubleday, 2016.