'Re/visioning' the self away from home
autobiographical and cross-cultural dimensions in the works of …
Bernhard Melchior
358 pages | ~10 hrs
'Re/visioning' the self away from home
autobiographical and cross-cultural dimensions in the works of Paule Marshall
By Bernhard Melchior
This scholarly exploration delves into the profound journey of cultural identity and self-discovery through the lens of West Indian women writers who found themselves navigating life in America during the transformative 1980s. Bernhard Melchior examines how these literary voices, particularly Barbadian American author Paule Marshall, crafted narratives that illuminate the complex process of reimagining oneself across cultural boundaries.
At the heart of this analysis lies the recognition that displacement often becomes a catalyst for deeper self-understanding. Through careful examination of Marshall's novels, including detailed studies of "Praisesong for the Widow" and "Daughters," Melchior reveals how autobiographical fiction becomes a powerful tool for exploring the intricate layers of cross-cultural existence.
The book demonstrates how these writers engaged in what Melchior terms "re/viewing and en/visioning" their experiences, transforming the challenge of living between cultures into opportunities for expanded self-awareness. Their literary works become maps for understanding how individuals can maintain authentic connections to their heritage while embracing new cultural landscapes.
For readers interested in personal transformation and cultural healing, this work offers insights into how storytelling and self-reflection can help navigate the complexities of identity. The examination of these autobiographical dimensions reveals universal themes about belonging, heritage, and the ongoing process of becoming who we are meant to be across different cultural contexts.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Women and literature
- ✓ Explore Autobiographical fiction, history and criticism
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Autobiographical fiction, American
- ✓ Explore African Americans in literature
- ✓ Explore Self in literature
- ✓ Explore American fiction, women authors
- ✓ Explore Culture conflict
Topics
Details
- Published
- 1998
- Publisher
- P. Lang, Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften, Peter, Lang Publishing, Incorporated, Peter
- ISBN-10
- 3631323190
- Pages
- 358
- Language
- EN
- LC Classification
- PS3563.A7223 Z77 1998
