Abstract
My aim as I set out to write this thesis was to show how three individual novels share the same strategies and problems involved in self-definition for black women. The main topics of discussion have been the novel’s portrayal of female communication, sexuality, and creativity, represented though the diverse portrayal of female characters. This thesis emphasizes the importance of speech as communicative device, the development of an autonomous sexuality and a creative self in searching for and in attempting to create an identity.
The argument of this thesis is that the black female characters’ quest for self is a communicative process involving exploration of sexuality and creativity. The object of the analysis is to examine the novels’ focus on these strategies of development for African American women. The major female characters in the novels develop within a closed community where their roles as women are constantly being influenced by white patriarchal society. In order to chisel out their own identities, the women of the novels form female friendships through which they are both able and unable to explore their sexualities. As we shall see in the three selected novels constituting this thesis, there is a great exploration of self in the three texts.
The first chapter is on The Color Purple and opens with Walker’s use of the epistolary genre as the basis of her main female character’s development. The analysis focuses on Walker’s emphasis on speech as a liberatory vehicle, not only for Celie, but for generations of black women. I further argue that Walker favors speech over writing and show how communicating about sexuality can be an important part of self-discovery and self-definition. In assuming the role of entrepreneur and designer the main female character not only contributes to the reversal of established gender roles, but underscores the novel’s focus on art and creativity as important vehicles contributing to personal growth. In conclusion, I also address the problematic ending of the novel and its bold utopianism.
Chapter 2 is devoted to Kindred and focuses on the black female character’s recreation of self through a dialogue with her ancestral past. The chapter incorporates elements of racism and sexism and their influence on female individualism. I argue that through creating her own narrative based on authentic experiences, Dana builds an identity radically different from her prior idea of self. My discussion of the novel focuses on issues of memory and disremembering, interracial power relations and female sexuality, solidarity and creativity.
In the third chapter, my analysis of Sula will reveal the difficulties involved in creating an identity disconnected from family, friends and community. I will argue that the radical character of Sula destabilizes traditional distinctions between good and evil in her attempt to create a self. The focus of the analysis will be the relationship between Nel and Sula, their sexual awakening, their separation and the ethical binaries of good and evil.