As you read your novel, look for some of the characteristics of Black Literature:
1. Concern with identity. Characters in Black literature often struggle with who they are, who they should be and where they belong in society. Look for examples of this as you read.
2. Concern with position in the dominant society. “Raisin in the Sun,” is a sterling example. Issues of marginalization are common. Look for some examples of this as you read.
3. Use of the colorful, creative language of the African-American culture. The music of language, the free form structure of jazz, the rhythm of the Blues, Hip Hop, and Rap...the unique flow of sentence structure, allusions or songs, dialect, syntax, narrative structure, etc. breathes life in these works. Look for examples of this.
4. Use of religious imagery, settings and the dominance of the black church in the Southern black community (or in a "higher spiritual purpose").
5. Use of the theme of freedom and independence. Although slave narratives are rich with the details of the battles for freedom and the terrors of slavery, the idea of freedom and struggle to FEEL free continue well into the late 20th and 21st century for Black writers.
6. A discussion about race. The humanization of black characters or black spaces, etc.
You have the following 2 options for your project coming up:
A. You can write an analysis of your chosen novel...summarize the novel, research your chosen author, and examine how the book continues (or not) the tradition of Black literature, referencing where the text supports or uses the characteristics listed. Finally, evaluate the book. What makes the story and theme of the book worthwhile reading? What does the book offer as a solution or an addition to the subject of Race?
B. You can create a video response of your chosen novel (MP4 or Screencastify or some other video essay recording software)...summarize the novel, research your chosen author, and examine how the book continues (or not) the tradition of Black literature, referencing where the text supports or uses the characteristics listed. Finally, evaluate the book. What makes the story and theme of the book worthwhile reading? What does the book offer as a solution or an addition to the subject of Race?
See examples of a video essay in the attachments as models.
Comments