This paper focuses on the importance of remembering the slave trade in all his cruel facets. Therefore, the genre of the original slave narrative and the genre of the neo-slave narrative is introduced. The second part of the paper provides an analysis of the novel 'Blonde Roots', by Bernardine Evaristo (2009).
The colonial era and the legacy of slavery left a serious mark on the whole world; Especially present-day Great Britain has to face the consequences of its role in colonialism ever since. Between 1500 and 1900, nearly 12 million African slaves were brought from their homeland to America and to Europe.
Via the Transatlantic Slave Trade, British ships sent rare cargoes, like rum, cotton wool and gunpowder to Africa, in exchange for potential slaves. When the slave ships arrived in the 'New World'2, African slaves were forced brutally to harvest coffee, sugar and tobacco on plantations. Eventually, the British ships, filled with the plantation yield, settled to their home ports in Europe.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The development of the slave narrative genre
- 2.1 The slave narrative
- 2.2 Characteristics and functions of neo-slave narratives
- 3. 'Blonde Roots' (2009) by Bernardine Evaristo
- 3.1 Narrative strategies in 'Blonde Roots'
- 3.2 'Blonde Roots' as a remake of the original slave narrative
- 4. Conclusion and outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the enduring legacy of slavery in contemporary Britain, focusing on the genre of neo-slave narratives and their role in bringing this historical trauma to public awareness. It analyzes how these narratives build upon and diverge from the original slave narrative tradition. The paper uses Bernardine Evaristo's 'Blonde Roots' as a case study to explore the strategies and effectiveness of neo-slave narratives in prompting societal reflection on Britain's colonial past.
- The evolution of the slave narrative genre from its origins to contemporary neo-slave narratives.
- The narrative techniques and thematic concerns of neo-slave narratives.
- The role of neo-slave narratives in raising awareness of the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
- An analysis of Bernardine Evaristo's 'Blonde Roots' as a representative example of the neo-slave narrative.
- The connection between remembering the transatlantic slave trade and the significance of neo-slave narratives.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the paper by highlighting the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade on Britain and the ongoing need to confront its colonial legacy. It emphasizes the relevance of contemporary events, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, in understanding the continued struggle for racial equality. The chapter introduces the focus on slave narratives and neo-slave narratives as crucial tools for remembering and grappling with this history. It also outlines the paper's structure and methodology, including the analysis of Bernardine Evaristo's 'Blonde Roots'.
2. The development of the slave narrative genre: This chapter explores the evolution of the slave narrative genre, beginning with its emergence in the late 1780s. It details the initial aims of slave narratives—to elicit sympathy for enslaved people and to advocate for abolition—and the ways in which these narratives served as powerful testimonies to the humanity of African Americans. The chapter examines key characteristics of early slave narratives, such as first-person narration, autobiographical structure, and their typical narrative arcs. It also sets the stage for a discussion of how neo-slave narratives both build upon and depart from this established tradition.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Neo-slave narratives, slave narratives, transatlantic slave trade, Black British literature, Bernardine Evaristo, Blonde Roots, postcolonial literature, racial identity, memory, colonial legacy, Black Lives Matter.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the focus of this academic paper?
This paper examines the enduring legacy of slavery in contemporary Britain, focusing on the genre of neo-slave narratives and their role in raising public awareness of this historical trauma. It analyzes how these narratives build upon and diverge from the original slave narrative tradition, using Bernardine Evaristo's "Blonde Roots" as a primary case study.
What are neo-slave narratives?
Neo-slave narratives are contemporary literary works that engage with the themes and experiences of slavery, often building upon the conventions and traditions established by the original slave narratives of the 18th and 19th centuries. They serve as a crucial tool for remembering and grappling with the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
What is the significance of Bernardine Evaristo's "Blonde Roots"?
"Blonde Roots" serves as a key example of a neo-slave narrative in this analysis. The paper explores its narrative strategies and effectiveness in prompting societal reflection on Britain's colonial past and the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the evolution of the slave narrative genre, the narrative techniques and thematic concerns of neo-slave narratives, the role of these narratives in raising awareness of the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade, and an in-depth analysis of "Blonde Roots" as a representative example of the neo-slave narrative. The connection between remembering the transatlantic slave trade and the significance of neo-slave narratives is also explored.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: An introduction setting the context and outlining the methodology; a chapter exploring the development of the slave narrative genre; a chapter focusing on the analysis of "Blonde Roots"; and a concluding chapter offering insights and reflections.
What are the key characteristics of the original slave narratives?
Original slave narratives typically featured first-person narration, an autobiographical structure, and often followed a specific narrative arc aimed at eliciting sympathy and advocating for abolition. They served as powerful testimonies to the humanity of enslaved people.
How do neo-slave narratives differ from, or build upon, the original slave narratives?
The paper analyzes how neo-slave narratives both continue and diverge from the established traditions of original slave narratives. While they share some thematic concerns and narrative strategies, neo-slave narratives also reflect contemporary social and literary contexts, offering new perspectives on the legacy of slavery.
What is the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement in the context of this paper?
The paper acknowledges the relevance of contemporary events like the Black Lives Matter movement in understanding the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the continued need to confront Britain's colonial legacy.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Neo-slave narratives, slave narratives, transatlantic slave trade, Black British literature, Bernardine Evaristo, Blonde Roots, postcolonial literature, racial identity, memory, colonial legacy, Black Lives Matter.
- Quote paper
- Jana Olejniczak (Author), 2020, The Genres of Slave Narratives and Neo-Slave Narratives. Development, Characteristics and Functions, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1020778
