Was the end of The Marrow of Tradition a satisfying and/or fitting one? I fear I might be in the minority by saying this, but my answer is yes; I believe it was both.
But, Rachel! Most of the African American characters we’ve come to know died, and Major Carteret and his family all remained safe and intact! How is that satisfying or fitting? The ending was unjust!
Yes, the ending was indeed unjust–Carteret’s child lives and Miller’s child dies–and that it exactly why it was fitting . This whole novel is full of injustices–Clara’s preference for Tom, Janet’s lack of acknowledgement by Olivia, Jerry and Auntie Jane’s loyalty unrecognized or unappreciated, Sandy’s almost murder, Tom’s escape, and a whole host of other troubling unrighted wrongs–so, why should the end be any different? Would it have been nice? Sure. But unrealistic.
My finding the ending satisfying might not be so easy to logically explain away, but here it goes.
The ending wasn’t a happy one, but that is partially why it was satisfying. The book was about an organized attack against a race of people. A happy ending would’ve undermined the severity of the whole situation.
As for the Carteret family coming out the ordeal unscathed, while irritating and unfair, it is also satisfying in a way. Olivia and the Major now have to live with the knowledge that a) Carteret was the cause of the whole massacre, b) that Olivia and the Major both threw themselves on the mercy of a black man, c) that Olivia acknowledged Janet as her sister (and she cannot take it back), and d) that the only reason their son is alive is due to the medical practice of a black man. I hope the overwhelming guilt and humility will serve as their lifelong punishment for their wretchedness.
My Thoughts on African American Literature 