Intermission Number Two

The second of three “intermissions,” this chapter explores relationships between the “Liza Jane” family of songs and American literary classics. While “Liza Jane” songs do not seem to have origins in works such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the opposite is quite another matter. Both the Liza Jane character and song lyrics do appear in major fictional pieces, such as Charles Chesnutt’s short story “The Wife of His Youth,” Jean Toomer’s novel Cane, and Margaret Walker’s novel Jubilee. Notably, Margaret Walker presents lyrics for “Steal Miss Liza,” a ring game played together by Black and white children. These three authors demonstrate considerable perception as to the origins of the songs, in linking their fictional works with the “Liza Jane” family.