Toni Morrison's developing class consciousness
By: Doreatha Drummond Mbalia.
Edition: 2nd ed.
Publisher: Susquehanna University Press; Associated University Presses
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Selinsgrove [Pa.]; Cranbury, NJ
Language: eng
Number of pages: 244
Subjects: Morrison, Toni -- Political and social views.; Literature and society -- United States -- History -- 20th century.; Women and literature -- United States -- History -- 20th century.; African Americans in literature.; Social classes in literature.
Description: "In this second edition, the author of Toni Morrison's Developing Class Consciousness analyzes all of Toni Morrison's novels to trace her increasing awareness of the African-American's class exploitation and race and gender oppression. The author argues that each work is a thematic and structural development of the preceding one. She contends that several factors converged to affect Morrison's consciousness: family background, historical and current events, literary works, and the writing process itself. The purpose of the study is to reveal that great writers such as Morrison, whose interest is in discovering a solution to the exploitation and oppression of African people, use their works as laboratories, working methodically and conscientiously to discover solutions while still maintaining that "sweetness" that Matthew Arnold heralds as the mark of fine fiction." "The second edition differs from the first both quantitatively and qualitatively. Three additional chapters and a new part 2 have been added. Qualitatively, the style has changed, most noticeably it reflects Morrison's recognition of the African's mistaken, but persistent belief that the enemy is the "white man." This novel is her attempt to teach us that it is the "plan" (the capitalist plan), not the "man" (white people) that is the culprit. This second edition reflects a clearer understanding of the plight of the African people: In writing for a dying people, not only should you deliver a life-saving message, but also you must do so in a language that is clear and with a style that is decipherable." "In the new conclusion the author praises Toni Morrison's unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle of African people and entreats Morrison's readers to follow her example by coming to the aid of "the masses" during a time when those with money and power refuse to do so."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-241) and index.