Date of Award
Spring 5-2013
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Program
English
Department
English
Major Professor
Bryant, Earle
Second Advisor
Steeby, Elizabeth
Third Advisor
Lewis, Elizabeth
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Charles W. Chesnutt captures the essence of the Post Civil War period and gives examples of the assimilation process for African Americans into dominant white culture. In doing so, he shows the resistance of the dominant culture as well as the resilience of the African American culture. It is his belief that through literature he could encourage moral reform and eliminate racial discrimination. As an African American author who could pass for white, he is able to share his own experiences and to develop black characters who are ambitious and intelligent. As a result, he leaves behind a legacy of great works that are both informative and entertaining.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Mary C., "Assimilation in Charles W. Chesnutt's Works" (2013). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1635.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1635
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.