Question: Focussing on Charles Chestnutt's short story, "The Goophered Grapevine," explain why Uncle Julius tells the Ohio couple the story of the goophered grapevine.

Expert answer

Uncle Julius tells the Ohio couple the story of the goophered grapevine because he wants to warn them about the dangers of messing with things they don't understand. The goophered grapevine is a plant that has been cursed by a voodoo priestess. Anyone who tries to pick its grapes will be stuck there until the priestess comes back and removes the curse.

PS.

As Uncle Julius tells the story of the goophered grapevine, he does so with a hint of mischief in his eyes. He knows that the Ohio couple is unfamiliar with the term "goophered," and he takes pleasure in sharing this piece of southern folklore with them.

The tale of the goophered grapevine revolves around a man who purchases a vineyard that is said to be cursed. The previous owner had been unable to produce any grapes, no matter how hard he tried. When the new owner attempts to grow grapes on the vine, he too finds that they wither and die.

Desperate to find a solution, he consults with a local witchdoctor who tells him that the vineyard is indeed cursed. The only way to remove the curse is to find someone who is willing to "goopher" the grapes - that is, to urinate on them.

The new owner is skeptical but decides to try this unorthodox method. Sure enough, after having somebody urinate on the grapevines, they begin to produce grapes.

While the story may seem far-fetched, it serves as a cautionary tale about the power of curses and how they can affect even the most seemingly innocuous objects. It also highlights the importance of always being open-minded and willing to try new things - you never know when they might just work.