Africa American Literature - Essay Example

R.Preeti 30/4/2008 AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE Africa American Literature is the literature generated by the Africans settled in America. It started off with writers like Olaudah Equiano, and w as carried forward by Toni Morrison. This literary tradition gained immense potential in the hands of Toni Morrison, for which she was awarded the Nobel Prize.Olaudah Equiano’s ‘The Interesting Narrative’ was based on his real-life experiences. As the author was pushed into slavery and was subject to atrocities of racism, he made sure the book spoke about the truth and revealed facts about the lives of slaves and the cruelty meted out to them.

Similarly, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas is the memoir of the orator and writer. Even Douglas was a slave and also talks about his experiences as a slave. He was one of the influential persons who propelled the Abolitionist Movement, especially through his writings. Authors like Zora Neale Hurston and Harriet Jacobs, have all written on the sheer cruelty and atrocities of slavery and racism prevalent then. The very fact that the colour of their skin determined their existence and lives has been put forth in a very authentic and touching manner.

Toni Morrison has influenced African American Literature to a great extent. She was a teacher, before she began writing. She, like the other writers of this genre, emphasized on the realities associated with slavery. She also looked into aspects like cultural identity. However, she also wrote from the Black Woman’s point of view and spoke at length about racism, gender issues and the cultural block.One of the most unique features of Toni Morrison’s writings, is the fact that she clubs myths and realities and presents it in a manner that conveys the depth of meaning, rather than just presenting facts.

Thus, Toni Morrison created a niche for herself in African American Literature and w on the Nobel Prize, as the due recognition of her abilities. REFERENCESWebsite: www.about.comWebsite: www.academia-research.com