RACE, IDENTITY AND PERSPECTIVE OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE: A STUDY OF RICHARD WRIGHT’S BLACK BOY

Student: Anas Abdullahi Haruna
Supervisor: Dr U Abubakar
HOD: Dr A Umar
Department of English and Literary Studies
Arts
Bayero University, Kano, Kano State

Abstract

This research examines the intricate relationship between race, identity, and perspective in African-American literature through a study of Richard Wright‟s seminal work, Black Boy. The aim is to analyse how Wright articulates the struggles of African-American identity against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal oppression. The objectives include examining the portrayal of racial discrimination, the formation of self-identity, and the impact of socio-political contexts on personal narratives. Using post-colonial theory as the theoretical framework, this study highlights how Wright's experiences reflect broader themes of colonialism and resistance within African-American literature. Findings indicate that Black Boy serves not only as a personal memoir but also as a critical commentary on the historical and cultural forces shaping African-American identity. The conclusion underscores the significance of Wright‟s work in understanding contemporary issues related to race and identity, affirming its enduring relevance in literary discourse.

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