ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0002-1892-8419

Graduation Semester and Year

2020

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in English

Department

English

First Advisor

Desirée Henderson

Abstract

This thesis moves beyond the moral messages of true womanhood found in eighteenth century British-American sentimental novels to examine the alternative lessons taught in nineteenth century African-American literature. In doing so, I explore the relationship between laws, race, and literature to investigate complex questions such as: what moral lessons about the institution of marriage are conveyed in early African-American novels? How did early American laws and policies affect these moral lessons? Lastly, how have marriage, laws, and traditions affected the representation of African-American characters in novels and shaped identities within African-American communities? Through the lens of critical race theory, feminist theory, and scholarship within legal studies, I analyze William Wells Brown’s Clotel published in 1853, and Harriet E. Wilson’s Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black published in 1859. My analysis demonstrates both Brown and Wilson’s ability to recast the conventions of sentimental novels such as the traditional marriage plot despite the legal and social constraints their protagonists face. Brown’s Clotel teaches its audience that the institution of American slavery and the institution of American marriage are incompatible because of the legal relation between enslavers and enslaved people. As a result, the only way for African-Americans to secure their lineage through marriage is to escape the legal relation between enslaver and enslaved. On the other hand, Wilson’s Our Nig illustrates that marriage does not always provide a secure and happy future; rather, Wilson instructs her readers to find freedom and happiness through economic independence. By analyzing and researching the alternative moral messages found in nineteenth century African-American sentimental novels, scholars and students can diversify the moral values, voices, and representation within African-American literature.

Keywords

Slave Codes, Early American laws, interracial marriage, African-American representation, Sentimental novels

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | English Language and Literature

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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