Overview

The first in-depth study of Paule Marshall's fiction, this book traces the development of the writer's Afrocentric vision. In a fresh and provocative reading, Dorothy Hamer Denniston shows how Marshall's creative sensibility has evolved--from American to African American, African Caribbean, and, finally, Pan-African--and how her distinctive literary style combines Western forms with elements from the African oral tradition. In the introduction, Denniston presents a brief biographical sketch of Marshall and emphasizes the connections between African oral literature and Marshall's depictions of various black cultures represented throughout the diaspora. Denniston also explains the African concept of cyclical time as well as the traditional role of the African woman and discusses their relevance to Marshall's art. The seven chapters that follow analyze Marshall's fiction to date--from her first published work, the short story ""The Valley Between"" (1954), to her most recent novel, Daughters (1991). In each chapter Denniston focuses on Marshall's preoccupation with history and her insistence that African peoples journey back through their history to understand the political, social, and economic structures upon which contemporary societies are based. As Marshall's vision expands to include oppressed peoples throughout the world, Denniston shows, the writer develops a discursive model of change and possibility. Ultimately, Marshall invokes individual responsibility for the transformation of society; she hopes through her fiction to illustrate the value of cultural differences and the larger similarities that attend personal and communal liberation.

Full Product Details

9780870498381

Table of Contents

Reviews

""In a thorough and incisive study, Dorothy H. Denniston has completed groundbreaking work in the close examinations of Paule Marshall's fiction. By highlighting the undercurrent of praise for Marshall's work that has been consistent throughout her career, Denniston implicitly argues for additional challenging explorations of the creative output of this wonderfully talented writer."" --Trudier Harris, Emory University ""Scholars will welcome this pioneering study of noted novelist Paule Marshall. Dorothy Hamer Denniston provides an illuminating introduction to Marshall's complete canon, highlighting the manner in which she reclaims African culture for Blacks in the diaspora."" --Daryl Cumber Dance, University of Richmond

Author Information

Dorothy Hamer Denniston is professor emerita of English at Brown University.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available