Exploring the Evolution of Racial Systems and the Intersection of Gender and Race in the U.S.: A Comparative Study of "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and "Corregidora"

Abstract

This thesis delves into the transformative journey of racial systems specific to the Black experience in the United States and its intricate interplay with gender through a comparative study of two literary works, a slave narrative and a neo-slave narrative, respectively Harriet Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and Gayl Jones' "Corregidora." The opening section provides a comprehensive historical overview, tracing the evolution of racial systems from the era of slavery to the post-Civil Rights Movement period, while the second section presents an in-depth analysis of the authors and their narratives. The core of the thesis unfolds in the third section, where a comparative analysis is conducted: the racial oppression depicted in the narratives is scrutinized, examining instances of racial injustices and discriminatory behaviors. Strategies employed by the characters for coping with oppression as well as the psychological consequences of slavery and segregation are explored. This study presents a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between race and gender, offering valuable insights into the historical and contemporary challenges that marginalized communities continue to face.