74 pages • 2 hours read
August WilsonMa Rainey's Black Bottom
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1984A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom by August Wilson is widely praised for its compelling portrayal of 1920s racial and artistic struggles. Critics commend the dynamic characters and sharp dialogue, highlighting their emotional depth and complexity. However, some feel the plot lacks momentum in parts. Overall, it's a powerful exploration of ambition, exploitation, and identity.
Who Should Read Ma Rainey's Black Bottom?
A reader captivated by African American history, rich cultural narratives, and intense character studies would relish August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Comparable to readers of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, this audience thrives on exploring race, identity, and the African American experience through powerful dialogue and setting.
Recommended
Reading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
NP