Black identity from the Afro-American and British African perspectives in selected novels by Toni Morrison and Caryl Phillips

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore how Black identity is portrayed in the novels by Morrison and Phillips. It seeks to understand the thematic concerns, narrative strategies, and character development employed by both novelists to articulate the Black experience. The article is a comparative qualitative study that employs a textual analysis methodology. The selected novels are meticulously examined focusing on themes such as racial consciousness, cultural heritage, oppression, and resilience. The article draws on post-colonial theory, feminism, critical race theory, and diaspora to provide a strong analytical framework. The comparative approach is essential, as it facilitates the understanding of the differences and similarities in the depiction of Black identity by an Afro-American author and a British-African author. The findings suggest that the narratives of Morrison and Phillips diverge in the portrayal of communal versus individual struggles, the impact of colonial history, and the role of memory and storytelling. Morrison’s work emphasizes community ties and historical trauma, whereas Philips often explores the fluidity and hybridity of identity in a post-colonial British context. In conclusion, this comparative study illuminates the distinct yet interconnected ways in which Afro-American and British-African authors navigate the complexities of race and identity.