Abstract
A mobility perspective is essential to reading Christopher Paul Curtis’s Elijah of Buxton , as the trope of the journey is fundamental to African American coming-of-age novels. Eleven-year old Elijah Freeman travels from the security of his home to two locations, one in each half of the novel. Drawing on the work of Foucault, this paper characterizes these places as heterotopias (other places). These sites contrast mobility and stasis, allow Elijah to experience what W. E. B. Du Bois calls “double consciousness,” increase Elijah’s understanding of signifying, and illuminate lessons about slavery for both the protagonist and the reader.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
