Litzie Wright Character Analysis in Lincoln in the Bardo

A former slave who now exists in the Bardo. When she was alive, Litzie was raped countless times by many different men, especially the various masters she had. In the Bardo, she has no voice, though Mrs. Francis Hodge narrates her story for her when the two women approach Willie. Later, after she has jumped into President Lincoln—along with many other Bardo-dwellers—she finds her powers of speech restored and is finally able to talk once more. Not long thereafter, though, Willie reveals that everyone in the Bardo is dead, and so she and Mrs. Hodge decide to depart.

Litzie Wright Character Timeline in Lincoln in the Bardo

The timeline below shows where the character Litzie Wright appears in Lincoln in the Bardo. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Next, Litzie Wright steps forward with Mrs. Francis Hodge, who tells Litzie’s story, since Litzie can’t speak.... (full context)

...body parts, and the Reverend no longer looks eternally shocked or scared. “Poor multiply raped Litzie became capable of speech, her first utterance consisting of words of thanks to Mrs. Hodge... (full context)

...America, holding nothing back as he directs his mind to the hardships of people like Litzie Wright and Mrs. Hodge. “We are ready, sir,” he says, “are angry, are capable, our... (full context)

Litzie and Mrs. Hodge discuss the shocking news that they’re dead, and both of them resolve... (full context)