Carl Van Vechten

Name: Nigger Heaven — Prologue
Author: Carl Van Vechten

Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

Summary

“Nigger Heaven — Prologue”, published in 1926, is a work by Carl Van Vechten. It explores elements such as Anatole, Creeper and Pettijohn.

Quotes from Nigger Heaven — Prologue (Carl Van Vechten)

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ Unreasoningly, Anatole hated him. He had—never inimically crossed the Creeper's path, but somehow, subconsciously, Anatole was aware that such an eventuality was by no means impossible. Besides, it irked the Creeper to realize that any one else possessed power of whatever kind. The feeling was not reciprocated. Anatole was frequently a spectacular figure at the Winter Palace, Pettijohn's cabaret, where he was welcome because he was known to be a particular favourite with jig-chasers from below the line. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ This music reminded the Creeper of the days when he worked as a bootblack in a Memphis barbershop. Hugged closely together, the bodies rocked and swayed, rocked and swayed. Sometimes a rolling-eyed couple, caught in the whirlpool of aching sound, would scarcely move from one spot. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ A pint, the Creeper ordered.
The waiter Charlestoned down the floor to the intoxicating rhythm, twirling his tray on palm held high overhead.
Put ashes in sweet papa's bed so as he can' slip out, moaned Licey in the Creeper's ear. Ah knows a lady what'll be singing, Wonder whah mah easy rider's gone!
Bottle et.
Licey chuckled. Hush mah mouf ef Ah doan!
The waiter came back, like a cat, shuffling ingeniously from one side of the room to the other, in and out of the throng of dancers. Charleston! Charleston! Do that thing! Oh boy! ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ The Creeper's manner became slightly flirtatious.
Thank you, Mr. Longfellow, an' pretty well.
Mrs. Imogene Guckeen was the proprietor of a popular beauty parlour further up the avenue. It was Anatole's custom to indulge in a manicure at this parlour every afternoon around five. As a wide circle of admiring women was cognizant of this habit, five was the rush hour at Mrs. Guckeen's establishment. She was fully aware of the important rôle this customer played in her affairs and, as a consequence, made no effort to collect his always considerable bill. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ On all sides of the swaying couple, bodies in picturesque costumes rocked, black bodies, brown bodies, high yellows, a kaleidoscope of colour transfigured by the amber searchlight. Scarves of bottle green, cerise, amethyst, vermilion, lemon. The drummer in complete abandon tossed his sticks in the air while he shook his head like a wild animal. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ Anatole poured out the gin.
Tea fo' two! he toasted his companion, almost jovially.
She gulped her glassful in one swallow, and then giggled, 'Toly, you's mah sho' 'nough daddy an' Ah sho' does love you wid all mah h'aht.
Everybody loves mah baby, tooted the cornet.
But mah baby doan love nobody but me, Ruby chimed in. She tentatively touched the Creeper's arm. As he did not appear to object to this attention, she stroked it tenderly. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ Now that music was lacking their bodies had lost the secret of the magic rhythm. Normal illumination. A new mood. Laughter and chatter. A woman shrieked hysterically. The Creeper drew the bottle from his hip-pocket and poured out two more drinks. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carl Van Vechten, Nigger Heaven — Prologue (1926)

“ The Creeper was reticent.
You sartainly are one dressin' up fool, Creeper, one of the King's companions inserted.
Heavy lover, too, another added.
The King offered his accolade: Nobody like duh Creeper fo' close an' women, nobody a-tall.
Anatole exposed his pearls. Bottle et, he suggested.
Come in an' see me, Pettijohn invited. Mah Winter Palace is open winter an' summer.
Completely at his ease again, the Creeper strutted on, swinging his cane, expanding his chest, and humming to himself:
Mah man's got teeth lak a lighthouse on duh sea,
An' when he smiles he throws dem lights on me. ”

Carl Van Vechten

Summary

Quotes from Nigger Heaven — Prologue (Carl Van Vechten)

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