Using Trauma to Create Self-Empowerment in Female African American Protagonists
Date of Award
6-2-2011
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Liberal Studies
Organizational Unit
University College, Arts and Culture Management
Disciplines
Arts and Culture
First Advisor
Jennifer Golightly
Keywords
African American women writers, Alice Walker, The Color Purple, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Trauma, Voice, Zora Neale Hurston
Abstract
Most African American literature of the twentieth century reflects the long journey from slavery, when slave narratives provided an outlet of expression, to the novel, which provided a venue for commentary amidst a changing political world. Female African American authors especially found a voice in this process and reflected African American women's struggles against stereotypes and oppression that abused and silenced them many times over. Three important elements are prominent in female African American novels: self-actualization, community, and unbridled expression of love. The importance of language and voice was a common factor among these three elements, and all were used as significant aspects to character development.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Erin, "Using Trauma to Create Self-Empowerment in Female African American Protagonists" (2011). University College: Arts and Culture Management Capstones. 59.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_mals/59