Race And Racism In Literature( Series - Exploring Social Issues Through Literature )

Issues of race and racism have long permeated American society and continue to be among the most important social concerns today. This volume explores how racial issues have been treated in a dozen major novels widely read by high school students and undergraduates. The works discussed are from different historical periods and reflect a range of cultural perspectives, including African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Italian American, Jewish American, and Jewish-Arab experiences. The volume begins with an introductory essay on race and racism in literature. Each of the chapters that follow examines a particular novel, including: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Native Son The House on Mango Street Ceremony The Chosen And others. Each chapter includes a plot summary, an overview of the work's historical background, a discussion of overt and subtle racism in the novel, and suggestions for further reading.