Depictions of Home in African American Literature

Trudier Harris examines how African American authors depict dysfunctional and violent homespaces in their literature, exploring the roles of race, religion, geography, and character. While many characters desire safe and happy homes, few achieve them by the end of their journeys.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

In her groundbreaking work, Depictions of Home in African American Literature,Trudier Harris delves into the intricate portrayal of fictional homespaces across African American literature,spanning from the era of slavery to contemporary urban configurations. Through meticulous analysis, she compellingly argues that African American writers inadvertently establish and perpetuate a tradition of depicting dysfunctional and physically or emotionally violent homespaces. Harris embarks on a profound exploration of the roles race and religion play in shaping these spaces, as well as how geography, space, and character intertwine to influence them. While many characters in African American literature yearn for safe and happy homespaces, tragically, few achieve the formation of healthy homespaces by the conclusion of their journeys. Harris's scholarly inquiry encompasses a comprehensive examination of historical, cultural, and literary representations of the home in the works of renowned authors like Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and August Wilson, as well as lesser-studied figures such as Daniel Black, A.J. Verdelle, Margaret Walker, and Dorothy West. This comprehensive study sheds light on the diverse and complex ways in which African American writers have explored the concept of home, highlighting both the struggles and aspirations of their characters as they navigate the complexities of domestic life.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793649638