A Critical Conspectus of African American Literature in its Historical and Social Stances

Abstract

The present paper has sought to outline the genesis and evolution of the African American literature or, also known as Black American Literature. The study finds that the early narratives of this literature have been characterized by the depiction of slavery and the element of protest. However, it evolved, gradually but firmly, with a distinct declaration of rejection of dejection and abandonment of despair documenting a new Black consciousness through the pens of Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois. The paper also studies the social aspect of African American literature and further, attempts to ferret out Black feminism as a conspicuous strand in this literature.