'Homesteader' Summary

The Homesteader is a semi-autobiographical novel by Oscar Micheaux that tells the story of Jean Baptiste, an African-American homesteader in the Dakotas. Jean Baptiste is a hardworking and determined man who dreams of building a better life for himself and his family. He homesteads a piece of land in the Dakotas and begins to build a successful farm. However, Jean's happiness is short-lived. He falls in love with Agnes, a white woman, but their relationship is forbidden by law. Jean is forced to marry Orlean, the daughter of a black preacher. Orlean is a kind and loving woman, but her marriage to Jean is unhappy. Jean is unable to forget Agnes, and Orlean is unable to provide him with the love and companionship he needs. Their marriage ends in tragedy when Orlean dies in childbirth. After Orlean's death, Jean returns to his homestead and finds Agnes again. He discovers that she is not who he thought she was, and their relationship is finally able to blossom. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Jean is killed by a white mob. The Homesteader is a powerful and moving novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and racism. It is a reminder of the struggles faced by African-Americans in the early 20th century, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.