Iola Leroy; Or, Shadows Uplifted (eBook)

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
179 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654702911-3 (EAN)

Infos

In "Iola Leroy; Or, Shadows Uplifted," Frances Ellen Watkins Harper blends the conventions of Victorian novelism with poignant social commentary, portraying the complexities of race, gender, and identity in post-Civil War America. The narrative follows Iola Leroy, a woman of mixed race navigating societal expectations and her own quest for self-definition amidst the constraints of her era. Harper's prose is characterized by lyrical grace and a keen psychological insight, as she crafts a compelling story that scrutinizes the intersections of freedom and oppression, particularly through the lens of African American women's experiences, thus placing the novel firmly within the broader context of both the abolitionist movement and the early feminist literary canon. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a prominent abolitionist and suffragist, was one of the first African American women to publish a novel in the United States. Her own experiences with injustice, alongside her active involvement in social reform movements, influenced her to write this groundbreaking work. Harper's life was a testament to resilience and activism, underscoring her literary mission to amplify marginalized voices and illuminate the struggles faced by African Americans in her time. With its rich characterizations and compelling themes, "Iola Leroy" is a vital contribution to both American literature and the discourse on race and gender. Readers are encouraged to engage with Harper's work not merely as a historical artifact, but as a timeless exploration of identity and belonging that resonates profoundly in contemporary society.

Autor

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825–1911) stands as a significant figure in African American literature and the wider panorama of American letters. Born free in Baltimore, Maryland, Harper was a poet, abolitionist, and suffragist whose literary work imbued her fierce commitment to social justice and reform. She was a leading advocate for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights, dovetailing these issues in her prolific writings. Harper's novel 'Iola Leroy; Or, Shadows Uplifted' (1892) is a seminal work, notable for being one of the first novels published by an African American woman. The book addresses issues of racial identity, 'passing,' mixed-race heritage, and the quest for freedom, and it largely reflects Harper's own intersectional approach to activism. Its narrative not only paints a vivid picture of African American life post-Civil War but also serves as a vehicle to propagate Harper's ideals on race, gender, and social reform. Harper's literary style often blends a strong narrative drive with moral and religious themes, influenced by her own upbringing and the spirit of her era. Her work not only garnered critical acclaim for its artistic merit but also played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around race and gender in post-Civil War America. Frances E.W. Harper's legacy as an intellectual and a steward of change endures, making her an essential subject of study for scholars interested in the intersection of 19th-century literature, African American history, and feminist theory.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 28.5.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Historische Romane
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Neuzeit bis 1918
• Schlagworte: 19th century fiction • abolitionist movement • african american experience • African American literature • African-American protagonist • African Americans • African American women • American Literature • biracial identity conflict • civil war era • Complex Character Development • female resilience story • Feminist literature • Fiction • Frances Ellen Watkins Harper books • historical African American narratives • historical fiction • historical fiction journey • identity and freedom • inspirational novel • Iola Leroy literary analysis • post-Civil War America • post-Civil War novels • Race relations • Race relations exploration • racial identity in literature • reconstruction era fiction • reconstruction era struggles • reconstruction period • Social Commentary Novel • Social justice in literature • social reform themes • women authors classic literature • Women's education