The theme of identity and self-definition plays a pivotal role in African-American literature, especially in relation to the experiences of black women. Their journey toward selfhood is shaped by the dual challenges of racism and sexism, which subject them to layered forms of oppression and a legacy of historical exploitation. Since the early 1970s, literary works have increasingly emphasized the significance of solidarity among women and the development of collective awareness in shaping black female identity. In contrast to patriarchal narratives, black women writers often portray stories of resistance and the pursuit of personal freedom. These narratives highlight how deeply intertwined racism and sexism are in American society, reflecting an ongoing quest for a cohesive and autonomous identity in black feminist literature. This paper aims to examine the specific obstacles black women encounter in defining themselves. Although the African-American community as a whole has endured profound hardship, black women have faced especially intense struggles, often more severe than those experienced by black men, due to the intersecting burdens of race and gender.

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Unveiling Selfhood: The Journey of Identity in Alice Walker’s Novels

  • Nisha Mehta,
  • Ananta Geetey Uppal

摘要

The theme of identity and self-definition plays a pivotal role in African-American literature, especially in relation to the experiences of black women. Their journey toward selfhood is shaped by the dual challenges of racism and sexism, which subject them to layered forms of oppression and a legacy of historical exploitation. Since the early 1970s, literary works have increasingly emphasized the significance of solidarity among women and the development of collective awareness in shaping black female identity. In contrast to patriarchal narratives, black women writers often portray stories of resistance and the pursuit of personal freedom. These narratives highlight how deeply intertwined racism and sexism are in American society, reflecting an ongoing quest for a cohesive and autonomous identity in black feminist literature. This paper aims to examine the specific obstacles black women encounter in defining themselves. Although the African-American community as a whole has endured profound hardship, black women have faced especially intense struggles, often more severe than those experienced by black men, due to the intersecting burdens of race and gender.