AO3 (Historical Context) Flashcards
What was the Harlem Renaissance?
A cultural awakening for African Americans, marked by a surge in literature, art, and music celebrating black identity and challenging racial stereotypes.
Who were key figures of the Harlem Renaissance?
Key figures included Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, and Alain Locke.
What themes did Larsen explore in the Harlem Renaissance?
Larsen explored themes of heritage, discrimination, and urban life.
How does ‘Passing’ relate to the Harlem Renaissance?
‘Passing’ examines the complexities of racial identity and the psychological toll of passing, fitting into the Renaissance’s focus on identity and racial uplift.
What were Jim Crow laws?
Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation, particularly in the South, severely limiting the rights and opportunities of African Americans.
How did Jim Crow laws affect daily life?
These laws affected every aspect of daily life, from public facilities to social interactions.
What is racial passing?
Racial passing emerged as a survival strategy for some African Americans, allowing them to access privileges reserved for whites.
What was the Great Migration?
A mass movement of millions of African Americans relocating from rural Southern communities to large Northern and Western cities.
What were push factors of the Great Migration?
Push factors included poor economic conditions, severe racism, Jim Crow laws, and violence (e.g., lynchings).
What were pull factors of the Great Migration?
Pull factors included better living conditions, higher wages, and job opportunities in urban factories.
How did the Great Migration affect ‘Passing’?
This migration significantly shaped the racial dynamics and social tensions reflected in ‘Passing,’ as characters navigate the complexities of urban Black society in Harlem.
When did the 1929 Stock Market Crash occur?
The crash occurred in the same year ‘Passing’ was published.
How might the 1929 Stock Market Crash have influenced ‘Passing’?
Its looming economic instability may have influenced the novel’s themes of social security, materialism, and class anxiety.
