This seminar paper will sketch some of the elements of the cultural “Zeitgeist” that shaped and was reflected in Nella Larsen’s writings. But it will concentrate on the novels that she left behind: Quicksand and Passing. An important topic Larsen is dealing with is race-identity. Larsen assimilates these themes in her two novels, not by representing the lower-class problem, but more by focusing on the life and problems of middle-class females. It is more the psychological than the sociological side she portrays. This paper demonstrates that race identity and race dualism reflects Larsen’s own life story. First I will give an introduction on the Harlem Renaissance era. Then I will focus on Nella Larsen’s life. I will examine her two novels Quicksand and Passing to find out how race identity and race dualism is assimilated in her novels.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- NELLA LARSEN NOVELIST OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE
- The Harlem Renaissance Era
- The Black Women Writers of the Renaissance Period
- Nella Larsen's Biography
- QUICKSAND
- Quicksand Plot Outline
- Quicksand Themes
- PASSING
- Passing Plot Outline
- Passing Themes
- NELLA LARSEN AND THE TRAGIC MULATTO THEME
- CONCLUSION
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper delves into the cultural context surrounding Nella Larsen's writings, particularly focusing on her novels "Quicksand" and "Passing." It examines how race identity and race dualism are depicted in her works, particularly through the experiences of middle-class women. While sociological aspects are considered, the paper emphasizes the psychological portrayal of these themes.
- The influence of the Harlem Renaissance on Nella Larsen's work.
- Race-identity and race dualism as core themes in Larsen's novels.
- The psychological impact of racial prejudice on black individuals.
- The societal pressures faced by middle-class black women during the early 20th century.
- The tragic consequences of attempting to navigate between black and white identities.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: Introduces Nella Larsen as a significant writer of the Harlem Renaissance era, known for her novels "Quicksand" and "Passing." It highlights the social and historical context of Larsen's work, focusing on the challenges faced by African-Americans and women in the early 20th century.
- The Harlem Renaissance Era: This chapter explores the cultural movement that emerged in Harlem during the 1920s, examining the factors contributing to its rise, including African-American urban migration, artistic experimentation, and the influence of African-American intellectuals.
- The Black Women Writers of the Renaissance Period: This section focuses on the contributions of prominent black women writers, including Nella Larsen, Jessie Redmon Fauset, and Zora Neale Hurston, who participated in the literary upsurge of the Harlem Renaissance. The chapter discusses the themes and perspectives explored in their writings, highlighting the challenges and complexities of black life during that period.
- Nella Larsen's Biography: This chapter provides insights into Larsen's life, explaining the personal experiences and events that likely shaped her choices of race identity and race dualism as central themes in her novels.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key themes and concepts explored in this work include the Harlem Renaissance, African-American literature, race identity, race dualism, middle-class black women, psychological impact of racism, societal pressures, and the tragic consequences of navigating between two racial identities. The study of these themes is essential for understanding the complexities of race relations and individual experiences within a racially stratified society.
- Quote paper
- Kathrin Haubold (Author), 2002, Nella Larsen - African-American Artist of the Harlem Renaissance, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/16533
