The Sport of the Gods

"The Sport of the Gods" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a story set in the early 1900s that follows the Hamiltons, a Black family led by Berry, a dedicated butler, as they grapple with the harsh realities of life in post-Civil War America. The book tackles big ideas like prejudice, social standing, and who people are, as the Hamiltons struggle against unfair treatment after Berry is wrongly blamed for stealing from his boss. At the beginning, the Hamiltons are shown living peacefully on the land of Maurice Oakley, Berry's employer, showcasing Berry's strong connection to the Oakley family, his modest roots, and the secure life he has built with his wife, Fannie, and their kids, Joe and Kit. As Berry gets ready for an important goodbye dinner for Mr. Oakley's brother, the book highlights the family's close bonds and their hopes for a brighter future. However, this peaceful life is soon shattered by a coming disaster and accusations that will turn their world upside down.