Spirit Theft and Spirit Possession in Erna Brodber’s Myal and Louisiana
Erna Brodber and Velma Pollard November 15, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.14325/mississippi/9781496836205.003.0003
Summary
This chapter analyzes Erna Brodber's novels Myal and Louisiana, focusing on spirit possession and spirit theft. It explores how African-derived spiritual traditions—Myal, Kumina, and Voudoun—are depicted in opposition to the practices of Obeah and Pocomania, highlighting the cultural and religious conflicts within the narratives.
Study at a glance
| Design | literary analysis |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The chapter examines how African-derived spiritual religions confront Obeah and Pocomania in Brodber's novels. |
Abstract
This chapter examines the second and third novels by Erna Brodber, Myal and Louisiana . The ideas of spirit possession and spirit theft are the main themes of the two novels. In both novels, the power of African-derived spiritual religions—Myal, Kumina, and Voudoun—confront the religions of Obeah and Pocomania.