Strange Fruit was first written as a poem by Abe Meeropol, a New York teacher and poet.
Upon becoming familiar with Billie Holliday's music, Meeropol took the poem to her, and she worked on turning it into a song. For this assignment, you will research lynching in America and the song Strange Fruit and write a one page journal/blog post.
Follow these steps to complete the assignment:
• Research Abel Meeropol, author of Strange Fruit. Who was he? What was his life like?
• Research Billie Holliday: What was she famous for?
• Research the song Strange Fruit. Try to find a video for the song and then watch and listen to it. What are the lyrics like? Do you see or hear connections to lynching?
• Take notes as you research the above topics to prepare for you journal entry
Next, write your journal. Use these questions as writing prompts:
• How does this song make you feel? Use adjectives to describe your feelings (you may want to Google a feeling adjective list if you want some creative options)
• How do we know from the lyrics that the "strange" fruit here means the bodies of lynching victims?
• List three things about the song that you think are important.
• Discuss life in the United States during the time that the song was written
Your journal entry should have an introductory paragraph that grabs your reader's attention.
Following the introduction, you should include two to four paragraphs outlining your thoughts and addressing the above questions. Finally, finish up with a conclusion paragraph thạt summarizes your journal entry
Title: Strange Fruit: A Reflection on Lynching in America
Introduction:
As I delved into the haunting melody of Billie Holiday's iconic song, "Strange Fruit," I discovered a chilling connection between the lyrics and the dark history of lynching in America. Through extensive research on the poet Abel Meeropol, the songstress Billie Holiday, and the powerful lyrics of "Strange Fruit," it becomes evident that this composition serves as a profound testament to the cruelty and oppression prevalent during that era.
Paragraph 1: Abel Meeropol's Journey
Abel Meeropol, a New York teacher and poet, penned the poem "Strange Fruit" from a deep well of empathy and concern for the plight of African Americans in racially divided America. Embracing activism, Meeropol used his talents to advocate for social justice and civil rights, later adopting the sons of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed for being accused of sharing atomic secrets with the Soviet Union.
Paragraph 2: Billie Holiday and Her Legacy
Billie Holiday, renowned for her immense vocal talent, used her platform to give a voice to the voiceless, becoming a prominent figure in the fight against racial injustice. Her interpretation of "Strange Fruit" brought the haunting lyrics to life in a way that pierced the hearts of listeners, forcing them to confront the atrocities of lynching head-on.
Paragraph 3: The Harrowing Lyrics of "Strange Fruit"
The lyrics of "Strange Fruit" paint a vivid and horrifying picture of racial violence, describing the lynched bodies as "strange fruit" hanging from trees. Through metaphors and powerful imagery, the song depicts the gruesome reality faced by African Americans during that era. By explicitly connecting the imagery to lynching, the song juxtaposes the innocence of fruit with the sheer brutality of taking human lives.
Paragraph 4: Significance of "Strange Fruit"
The importance of "Strange Fruit" lies in its ability to shed light on the devastating impact of racial violence and the deep-rooted hatred within American society. It transcends being merely a song and serves as a sharp reminder of the inhumanity endured by countless individuals. Its timeless message against racism continues to resonate, urging society to acknowledge its catastrophic past and work towards a more just future.
Paragraph 5: Life in the United States during that Time
"Strange Fruit" emerged in a tumultuous period in American history, characterized by widespread racial segregation, violence, and discrimination. African Americans faced systemic oppression and lived in constant fear of violence, primarily perpetuated through lynching, which served as an instrument of intimidation and control, reminding them of their supposed place in society.
Conclusion:
"Strange Fruit" remains a poignant anthem of remembrance, confronting the darkest aspects of humanity while urging a collective awakening and a commitment to social justice. This song serves as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by African Americans throughout history, compelling us to ensure that these acts of brutality and dehumanization never repeat themselves. Through the creative collaboration of Abel Meeropol and Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit" stands as a timeless reminder to challenge prejudice and never forget the struggle for equality.