A Convergence of Surrealism and Realism: Why Spirituality, Folklore, and the Supernatural Saturate the Work of Toni Morrison

<p>This paper will analyze how Toni Morrison blends surrealistic elements into the recognized realism of her text by crafting various paradoxes within her work. Using three of Morrison’s books: <em>Sula, Song of Solomon, </em>and <em>Beloved</em>, I will examine how each book ties a specific surrealistic component, as well as an equally relevant realistic element that will aid in the construct of a figurative bridge between the cultural past and present for African Americans. Moreover, I will discuss how the use of the surreal in Morrison’s work represents a dive into African traditions. Formed as a direct result of slavery, she aims to subvert the past and present “cultural imprisonment” of African Americans by linking the surreal traditions of the past with the real events of the present.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Harvey, Kevon K

Contributors dc:contributor

• Robert Higney

• Fabulism
• Magical Realism
• Paradox
• African traditions
• Myth
• African American Studies
• American Literature

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/715

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:cc_etds_theses-1748