“They had a man named Garret Brown who jumped into the river. Caesar chased him and he jumped in and wouldn’t come out. They say he stole a bucket of nails. He say he didn’t do it. They having his funeral today.”

This event drives much of the play’s narrative and becomes a conduit for the discussion of several of its key themes. Garret Brown chooses to die rather than be wrongfully arrested. Although several figures in the play find his actions puzzling, Aunt Ester argues that he decision showcases his moral character and commitment to truth. Because it was Citizen who actually stole the nails, Brown’s suicide becomes a catalyst for Citizen’s spiritual healing. He cannot be “right” with himself until he comes to terms with and admits to his crime.

“I am writing to let you know the times are terrible here, the most anybody remember since bondage. The people are having a hard time with freedom. I can’t hold on here anymore. The white peoples is gone crazy and won’t let anybody leave. They beat one fella on the road so bad his mama say ‘Who is he?’”

This passage showcases racism and the legacy of enslavement. Although free, Black people in the South remain subject to racist laws and are not able to attain economic freedom. These conditions in part led to the Great Migration, a cultural phenomenon that is an important backdrop to many of Wilson’s plays, including Gem of the Ocean.

“I ain’t no robber. You said to come back Tuesday. I can’t wait til Tuesday. I can’t wait. I have to see you now. They say you can help me. They say you wash people’s souls.”

This passage, spoken by Citizen to Aunt Ester, speaks to the theme of Redemption and Spiritual Healing. Citizen, who although he has not yet revealed it, is suffering as a result of having caused Garret Brown’s death. He comes to Aunt Ester for spiritual healing and guidance.