Yellow Wife

Setting is a tool wielded by writers to add complexity and movement to a narrative. In some narratives, setting is an essential element of the story and becomes a character in itself—influencing the other characters, impacting mood and tone, and evolving in its own history. In the Harry Potter series (1997-2007) by J. K. Rowling, Hogwarts, the school for young witches and wizards, functions as a character; at different points, the castle plays the role of hero, trickster, and mentor. In Westworld, the 2016 television series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, a futuristic amusement park shapes the development of the characters and contrasts with the science fiction storyline with its Old West scenery.

In Johnson’s Yellow Wife, real historical settings position Pheby’s experiences within the larger context of the 19th century. The novel is based on the true story of Robert Lumpkin, a jailer responsible for trafficking more than 300,000 enslaved people in a span of 21 years. Like Lapier, Lumpkin kept an enslaved woman as his mistress. However, Johnson’s story is not an account of Lumpkin’s life. Sadeqa Johnson honors Mary, the woman Lumpkin enslaved and forced to bear children.

Johnson calls upon historical records and accounts by enslaved persons to ground Pheby’s story in reality. Enslaved persons were not allowed to read or write—a fact highlighted in Johnson’s book—making personal records of enslaved people and fugitives from slavery in the 19th century sparse. In the 1930s, the Federal Writers’ Project collected the narratives of enslaved peoples, curating a collection of 2,300 personal accounts. Carefully recorded details of sexual and physical violence, perseverance, and faith are reflected in Johnson’s work. The historical context of 19th century Virginia shapes Pheby’s challenges and decisions.

In Part 1, Bell City Plantation is found in Charles City, Virginia. The fictional plantation was drafted after existing plantations in Charles City in the 19th century. Johnson weaves in elements of historical accounts of plantation life, highlighting the cruelty and starvation that many enslaved people faced in a system of white capitalism and colonialism. In Part 2, Lapier’s jail represents Lumpkin’s jail, known as the Devil’s Half Acre, the site of Richmond, Virginia’s largest trading post for enslaved people. Part 3, “Bully Trader,” directly references Robert Lumpkin’s nickname.

The historical setting of Yellow Wife wields power and influence over Pheby and the other characters. The social and political context of 19th century emphasizes the themes of cruelty, resistance, and hegemony that pervade the work. While Pheby interacts with her enslavers, children, and friends, she also interacts with the setting. While her life is determined and ruled by her environment, Johnson makes it clear that Pheby’s mind is independent of its influence.