african americans in literature

This exploration of Zora Neale Hurston's life and work draws on newly discovered information and manuscripts that bring new dimensions of her writing to light. Zora Neale Hurston is best known for the landmark novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. But no understanding of Hurston is complete without considering all the forms of her work, including her extraordinary work as a folklorist, in light of the newly discovered information, texts, and film footage. This volume caps a decade of resurgent popularity and critical interest in Hurston to offer a critical analysis of her work. Encompassing all of Hurston's writings, fiction, folklore manuscripts, drama, correspondence, it fully reaffirms the legacy of this writer, whom Alice Walker (author of The Color Purple) called "A Genius of the South." This work offers 20 critical essays covering the breadth of Hurston's writing, including her poetry, which up to now has received little attention. Essays throughout are informed by new research, previously unseen manuscripts, and even film clips of Hurston. The book also focuses on aspects of Hurston's life and work that remain controversial, including her stance on desegregation, her relationships with Charlotte Mason, Langston Hughes, and Richard Wright, and the veracity of her autobiography, Dust Tracks On a Road.

A collection of eighteen essays, memoir pieces, and poems addressing race in the United States and written in response to James Baldwin's 1962 "Letter to My Nephew" in which the author lamented that 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, it felt like African Americans were celebrating too soon.

"[Toni Morroson] reflects on the themes that preoccupy her work and increasingly dominate national and world politics: race, fear, borders, the mass movement of peoples, the desire for belonging. What is race and why does it matter? What motivates the human tendency to construct Others? Why does the presence of Others make us so afraid?"--Jacket flap.

Presents a summary of "A Raisin in the Sun" along with character lists, plot discussions, historical context of the work, an author biography, study questions, and essay topic suggestions, with illustrations.

Provides brief biographies of African American authors, describing their background, inspiration, literary works, and connections with other African American writers.

An introduction to African American history and culture, discussing religion, literature, music, film, television, and theater.

"Explores the literature of the Harlem Renaissance, reviewing classic works in the context of the history, society, and culture of its time"--Provided by publisher.

Examines the six autobiographical volumes of Maya Angelou. Although distinct in style and narration, these books are united through a number of repeated themes and through the developing character of the narrator. In scope they stretch over time and place from Arkansas to Africa to California to New York City and from confused child to accomplished adult.

Examines the life and writing of young adult novelist Mildred D. Taylor, focusing on how her family background, as well an awareness of racism and inequality influenced her work.