What connection does Josephus Jones have to the Oh family?

[Susan]

The book begins with the story of Josephus Jones, a black outsider artist unappreciated in his own time. What does his story affect the story of the Oh family?

[RoseAnn]

It sounds like you haven't read the entire book? His connection to them is explained at several points later in the book.

[Susan]

I guess I didn't phrase this correctly. I know he lived on their property, I meant symbolic meaning of his life, and the life of the Oh's.

[RoseAnn]

Well, there's the artistic connection between Jones, Annie, Viveca and Orion. And the tragic end in common between he and Kent which also ties in Andrew.

And there are at least two mentions of his ghost being seen by Annie and Andrew and when Andrew sees the ghost, it has an impact on his thoughts and feelings surrounding his own actions.

[Marcy]

Also, both Josephus and Annie were discovered by Gualtiero Agnello.

[[deleted user]]

Marcy wrote: "Also, both Josephus and Annie were discovered by Gualtiero Agnello."

Susan wrote: "The book begins with the story of Josephus Jones, a black outsider artist unappreciated in his own time. What does his story affect the story of the Oh family?"

[[deleted user]]

Have you read the entire book yet? There are a couple of connections, but I wouldn't want to give anything away.

[Susan]

I'm sorry. I guess I have an inability to pose discussion topics correctly. I have read the book and know the facts. I was looking for a discussion of the significance of the connection between Josephus and the Ohs. Josephus was murdered because of intolerance for interracial relationships, yet 50 years later the marriage of two women is legal, but not entirely accepted. As Marcy pointed out, Josephus and Annie were both discovered by Agnello, but why did he pick both of them out? Because they were both self taught artist who were crying out from a repressed life to be recognized. Josephus's work was rejected in his life time, but Annie's "angry" art was recognized. It is as if Annie completes Josephus's attempt at reaching out with his art that was abruptly cut off violence. And the violence that permeates through the whole book. The flood that carried away a loved one of each of them. Does anyone have any thoughts on the significance of the flood in the lives of these two characters, to the town,etc.? Thank you to all who have commented.