Date of Award
5-6-1998
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Martha E. Cook, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Kathleen T. Flanagan, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Michael Lund, Ph.D.
Abstract
Black women have had to work very hard to pull themselves up the social ladder. Literature reflects society, and the black female experience in the South is a part of American society which has not been overlooked by its literature. This thesis examines short stories by the similarities and tempered differences to develop a closer understanding of the true black female experience. The examination found that the gender and race of each author of the four short stories does not correspond to the amount of power each one gives to his or her black female character the way the reader might expect. These four stories collectively provide evidence that black women during the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s were the members of American society, particularly in the South, with the least amount of power. They were generally defined by their husbands and children. They had little or no control over money. They were not expected to voice their opinions and were in general completely oppressed.
Recommended Citation
Sheeler, Jennifer, "Giving Her A Voice: The Representation of the Black Woman in Four Short Stories" (1998). Theses & Honors Papers. 229.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/etd/229
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Literature in English, North America Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons
