Readings

The order of readings for the semester looks like this: Zora Neale Hurston, Malcolm X, Toni Morrison's //Beloved//, and Ernest Gaines' //A Lesson Before Dying//. We will use Dudley Randall's //Black Poets// in different parts of the semester.

"There’s so much more to remember and to describe for purposes of exorcism, and rites, celebratory rites of passage. Things must be made, some fixing ceremony, some memorial, some thing, some altar where these things can be released, thought and felt. But the consequences of slavery, only artists can deal with--there are certain things that only artists can deal with, and it’s our job." Toni Morrison, Interview with the BBC on the writing of //Beloved//.

ZNH, Discussion for Wed. 9/14 1. How does Janie accept a traditional gender role for women, and when does she rebel against tradition? (1 for each) 2. When does Janie feel empowered in her relationships with men and when does she feel powerless? (1 each) 3. What are Janie's husbands' complaints about her? (at least 1 for each) 4. Nanny tells Janie that it seems like the black woman is the "mule of the world." When does Janie start to feel this way? What kinds of work is she expected to do in marriage?

Clip from film version of //Their Eyes Were Watching God// http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ano-OLCVdsg&feature=related

Writing response questions for Zora Neale Hurston and Lorraine Hansberry (choose 1):
 * For Monday, 9/26, open book, essay format (these questions will also be the midterm exam**
 * essay choices so we will rewrite Response 1 for the midterm exam as a more formal take-home essay, due 10/24)**

1. Analyze the dynamics of racism/discrimination and the importance of love, family and supportive relationships in //Their Eyes Were Watching God// and //A Raisin In the Sun//. 2. Analyze at least 3 of the following themes in the film and the novel: freedom, self-discovery, dreams, love and identity 3. Analyze both positive and negative aspects of traditional gender roles, gender dynamics and gender relationships in the novel and the film.

More poems for Malcolm X: For Brother Malcolm

there is no memorial site

in harlem

save the one we are building

in the streets of

our young minds

till our hands & eyes

have strength to mould

the concrete beneath our feet

Edward S. Spriggs

in "For Malcolm", p. 73, also in Vicious Modernism, p. 153


 * Gwendolyn Brooks**
 * Malcolm X**

for Dudley Randall Original.

Hence ragged-round,

Hence rich-robust. He had the hawk-man's eyes.

We gasped. We saw the maleness.

The maleness raking out and making guttural the air

And pushing us to walls. And in a soft and fundamental hour

A sorcery devout and vertical

Beguiled the world. He opened us -

Who was a key. Who was a man.

in: "For Malcolm". p.3, in "Part I. The Life"


 * Mari Evans**
 * The Insurgent**

Give me my freedom

lest I die

for pride runs through my veins

not blood

and principles

support me so that

I

with lifted head see

Liberty. . . . not sky!

For I am he who

dares to say

I shall be Free, or dead -

today. ..

in: "For Malcolm", p.4, in "Part I. The Life"