tragic black buck, The

tragic black buck, The

By Carlyle Van Thompson

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into one of American literature's most complex identity phenomena during the early twentieth century. Van Thompson examines the intricate psychological and social dynamics surrounding African American men who successfully navigated racial boundaries by assuming white identities in literary works of this pivotal era.

The study reveals a profound paradox at the heart of racial identity formation. These literary characters simultaneously challenge the foundations of biological white supremacy while appearing to reject their own heritage. Through careful analysis of fictional narratives, the author illuminates how issues of race, gender, skin tone, social class, and legal structures intersect in stories of racial passing.

The book investigates three central literary concepts that shaped these identity transformations: miscegenation, mimicry, and masquerade. Each represents a different facet of how individuals navigated the rigid racial hierarchies of early twentieth-century America. Van Thompson's examination extends beyond surface-level plot analysis to explore the deeper psychological and sociological implications of these identity shifts.

For readers interested in understanding how literature reflects society's most challenging questions about identity, belonging, and authenticity, this work offers valuable insights. The study demonstrates how fictional narratives can illuminate real-world struggles with self-definition and social acceptance. Through literary analysis, complex themes of personal transformation and social resistance emerge, revealing the ongoing tension between individual identity and societal expectations.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~6 hours)

📄 Length: 198 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore History and criticism
  • ✓ Explore American fiction, history and criticism, 20th century
  • ✓ Explore Group identity in literature
  • ✓ Understand psychological principles
  • ✓ Explore Racism in literature
  • ✓ Explore African americans in literature
  • ✓ Explore African American men in literature
  • ✓ Explore Identity (psychology)

Topics Covered

History and criticism American fiction, history and criticism, 20th century Group identity in literature Identity (Psychology) in literature Racism in literature African americans in literature African American men in literature Identity (psychology) American fiction, african american authors, history and criticism Deception in literature Race in literature American fiction Tragic, The, in literature African Americans Passing (Identity) in literature African American authors Intellectual life

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