Race and Racism in Literature

(Hardback)

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Description

Insightful chapters discuss race and racism in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Native Son, To Kill a Mockingbird, and other major works Issues of race and racism have long permeated American society and continue to be among the most important social concerns today. This volume explores how racial issues have been treated in a dozen major novels widely read by school students and undergraduates. The works discussed are from different historical periods and reflect a range of cultural perspectives, including African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Italian American, Jewish American, and Jewish-Arab experiences. The volume begins with an introductory essay on race and racism in literature. Each of the chapters that follow examines a particular novel, and includes a plot summary, an overview of the work's historical background, a discussion of overt and subtle racism in the novel, and suggestions for further reading. Part of the Exploring Social Issues through Literature series Each chapter is devoted to a particular literary work The works discussed reflect a wide range of cultural perspectives

Reviews

[E]xamining major writings which have addressed race issues, from Native Son and The Chosen to House on Mango Street. The focus on selected novels allows for not just plot summaries and critical commentary, but for a review of the book's history and analysis of how racism is portrayed.Recommended. * MBR Bookwatch *
[T]his collection of essays addresses issues of race and racism in a dozen novels of diverse perspectives. Wilson introduces the volume by distinguishing between overt and institutional racism. Discussions of novels from Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to Nora Okja Keller's Fox Girl include a plot synopsis, historical background, and literary analysis. * Reference & Research Book News *
Worthwhile additions for schools with an integrated curriculum. * School Library Journal *

Author Bio

CHARLES E. WILSON, Jr., is Associate Professor of English at Old Dominion University where he teaches African American Literature, Southern Literature, and American Literature.