The paper is concerned with the depiction of black women’s subjugation and resistance in fiction. It examines the quality of black women’s suffering through racism and sexism, especially within the system of slavery in America from the 17th to the 19th century. Moreover, the paper contrasts black women’s status in and after slavery. This is done, on the one hand, in order to illustrate and underline slavery’s inhuman conditions black women suffered from and, on the other hand, to show the continuation of racism and sexism after slavery. It will be revealed that the assumed changes of conditions for black women nowadays are rather superficial and that discrimination and inequality, compared to men and white people, have been persisting.
The study is based on the novels Beloved and Sula by Toni Morrison and on Maryse Condé’s novel I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem. These three novels are selected as basis for the analysis because they depict black people’s oppression in several forms, intensities and times and focus especially on women’s particular situation.
It will be discussed how Blacks were capable at all to endure and survive the physical and mental tortures of captivity in slavery or of discrimination and inequality after slavery. Connected with this question the role of the African culture is debated. Here, attention is turned to the authors’ African roots and the question how (much) these roots inspired the elements of the actions and in what respect African tradition and beliefs are interwoven in the books. Being further backing aspects for the novels’ women, human interpersonal relationships and collectivity are examined connected with a consideration of the novels’ investigation and analysis of human nature, psyche and emotions. Here, the analysis focuses on questions that are essential for an entire comprehension of the books, for example: How are feelings (especially love) presented and which special functions do they fulfill in the works? What significance do the various interpersonal relationships have? To what extent are they cores of resistance? What causes the significance of female friendships? What differentiates female suffering from male?
This paper claims to elucidate the profound meaning Morrison’s and Condé’s insights into black women’s present and past provide and their works’ potential to be far more than just entertaining pieces of magic realism.
Table of Contents
- 1.0 Introduction
- 2.0 Subjugation and Resistance of Black Women: Forms of Oppression and their Consequences as depicted in the Novels
- 2.1 Historical Subjugation and Resistance in Fiction - a Paradox?
- 2.2 Maryse Condé's: I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem
- 2.2.1 Uprooting, Misapprehension and Slavery in Tituba
- 2.2.2 "I will not give in!": Condé's Women's Resistance
- 2.3 Toni Morrison's Beloved: Blacks within subjugating Mechanisms of Slavery
- 2.3.1 "You got two feet (...) not four": Self-love versus Dehumanization
- 2.3.2 Personal Memory and the Problem of Overcoming the Past
- 2.4 The Triple Burden: A Reflection on Black Women's Particular Status in Slavery
- 2.4.1 “Unless carefree, motherlove was a killer”: Motherhood in Slavery and the Tradition of Infanticide
- 2.5 Toni Morrison's Sula: “I want to make my self”
- 2.5.1 Subjugation, Female Resistance and Identity in the 20th Century
- 2.5.2 A Black Woman's Otherness as Threat - Sula's Dilemmas
- 3.0 Sources of Strength and Motives for Black Women's Resistance in the Novels
- 3.1 The Meaning of Love and Interpersonal Friendships
- 3.1.1 The Meaning of the Relationship between Man and Woman
- 3.1.2 Female Friendship, Solidarity and Intimacy
- 3.2 The Role of the African Culture, Traditions, Religion and the Supernatural
- 3.3 The Black Community and its Ambivalence for Morrison's and Condé's Women
- 4.0 Morrison's and Condé's Women's Subjugation and Resistance and the Correlation between Present and Past with Regard to Collective Suffering, Memory and Responsibility
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the depiction of Black women's subjugation and resistance in the novels of Toni Morrison and Maryse Condé, focusing on the forms of oppression they faced and their responses. It contrasts their experiences during and after slavery, highlighting the enduring nature of racism and sexism. The study uses Beloved and Sula by Morrison and I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Condé to trace these experiences across different historical periods.
- The forms and consequences of oppression faced by Black women in slavery and its aftermath.
- The various forms of resistance employed by Black women against systemic oppression.
- The role of love, friendship, and community in providing strength and resilience.
- The influence of African culture and traditions on Black women's resistance.
- The lasting impact of historical trauma and collective memory on the lives of Black women.
Chapter Summaries
1.0 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by outlining the paper's central focus: the portrayal of Black women's subjugation and resistance in the selected novels. It establishes the historical context, emphasizing the inhumane conditions of slavery and the persistence of racism and sexism beyond its abolition. The chapter highlights the chosen novels – Beloved and Sula by Toni Morrison, and I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé – as representative examples illustrating diverse forms and intensities of oppression across different periods. It explains the rationale for selecting these specific novels and justifies the comparative analysis across different historical timelines (17th, 19th, and 20th centuries), arguing that this approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and changes in Black women's experiences. Finally, the chapter briefly addresses the complexities of analyzing Black men's experiences alongside Black women's, acknowledging the common ground while emphasizing the unique aspects of female subjugation and its intersection with race.
2.0 Subjugation and Resistance of Black Women: Forms of Oppression and their Consequences as depicted in the Novels: This chapter delves into the multifaceted ways Black women experienced oppression and their diverse responses. It explores the paradoxical relationship between subjugation and resistance, acknowledging that oppressive systems often engender resistance as a natural consequence. The chapter will analyze the varied forms resistance took, differentiating between conscious and unconscious acts of defiance. It will focus on how the female characters navigate a landscape of systemic subjugation, offering a nuanced understanding of their survival strategies and challenges.
3.0 Sources of Strength and Motives for Black Women's Resistance in the Novels: This chapter investigates the sources of strength that enabled Black women to resist oppression and the motivations behind their actions. It explores the significance of love and interpersonal relationships, analyzing the roles of romantic partnerships and, crucially, female friendships and solidarity. Further, it examines the influence of African culture, traditions, religion, and the supernatural on their resilience and resistance strategies. The role of the Black community, along with its ambivalent nature in relation to the experiences of the women featured in the novels, will also be considered, highlighting how community dynamics both supported and challenged their efforts.
4.0 Morrison's and Condé's Women's Subjugation and Resistance and the Correlation between Present and Past with Regard to Collective Suffering, Memory and Responsibility: This chapter will analyze the connections between the past and present experiences of Black women, focusing on the enduring impact of collective suffering, memory, and responsibility. It will explore how the historical oppression continues to shape their lives and how the narratives in the novels offer insights into the long-term consequences of slavery and its legacy. The chapter will likely examine the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the ways in which the characters grapple with the past's influence on their present realities.
Keywords
Black women, subjugation, resistance, slavery, racism, sexism, Toni Morrison, Maryse Condé, Beloved, Sula, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, oppression, African culture, identity, community, memory, trauma, historical fiction.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Black Women's Subjugation and Resistance in the Novels of Toni Morrison and Maryse Condé
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes how Black women's subjugation and resistance are depicted in the novels of Toni Morrison and Maryse Condé. It examines the forms of oppression they faced and their responses, contrasting their experiences during and after slavery, and highlighting the enduring impact of racism and sexism.
Which novels are analyzed in this paper?
The study uses three novels: Toni Morrison's Beloved and Sula, and Maryse Condé's I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem. These novels are chosen to represent diverse forms and intensities of oppression across different historical periods (17th, 19th, and 20th centuries).
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the forms and consequences of oppression faced by Black women; the various forms of resistance they employed; the role of love, friendship, and community in providing strength and resilience; the influence of African culture and traditions on their resistance; and the lasting impact of historical trauma and collective memory on their lives.
How does the paper structure its analysis?
The paper is structured into four chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the topic and the chosen novels. Chapter 2 analyzes the forms of oppression and resistance depicted in the novels. Chapter 3 explores the sources of strength and motivation for Black women's resistance. Chapter 4 examines the correlation between past and present experiences, focusing on collective suffering, memory, and responsibility.
What specific aspects of oppression are examined?
The paper examines various forms of oppression, including the historical subjugation and resistance in fiction; the uprooting, misapprehension, and slavery experienced by characters; the triple burden of being Black, female, and enslaved; the challenges of self-love versus dehumanization; the problem of overcoming the past; and the portrayal of motherhood in slavery.
What types of resistance are discussed?
The paper explores both conscious and unconscious acts of resistance. It examines how the female characters navigate systemic subjugation, analyzing their survival strategies and challenges. The importance of love, female friendships, African culture, traditions, religion, and the supernatural as sources of strength and motivation for resistance are also discussed.
What is the significance of the chosen novels?
The chosen novels are significant because they offer diverse perspectives on Black women's experiences across different historical periods. By comparing and contrasting these narratives, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and changes in Black women's experiences of subjugation and resistance.
What is the conclusion of the paper likely to address?
The concluding chapter is likely to analyze the enduring impact of collective suffering, memory, and responsibility on the lives of Black women. It will likely explore how historical oppression continues to shape their lives and how the narratives in the novels offer insights into the long-term consequences of slavery and its legacy.
What are some keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Black women, subjugation, resistance, slavery, racism, sexism, Toni Morrison, Maryse Condé, Beloved, Sula, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, oppression, African culture, identity, community, memory, trauma, historical fiction.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Adriana Zühlke (Autor:in), 2005, Subjugation and resistance of black women in the novels of Toni Morrison and Maryse Conde, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/66781
