* Economic hardship: The family struggles financially due to the limited opportunities available to Black people in the early 20th century.
* Social limitations: They face constant prejudice and exclusion, which impacts their social life and personal development.
* Internalized racism: The family members, particularly the older generation, carry the weight of historical trauma and societal expectations.
* The desire for acceptance: The Stranges yearn for acceptance from the white community, but often feel like they are constantly being judged and excluded.
Additionally, the family is haunted by:
* The loss of their mother: The family's grief and the lingering absence of their mother, who died in childbirth, contribute to the emotional turmoil within the household.
* The weight of responsibility: Each family member struggles with their own burdens and the expectations placed upon them, both from within the family and society.
Overall, the Strange family is haunted by a complex web of societal forces and personal challenges, which shapes their daily lives and creates a sense of unease and instability.