Race Essay Flashcards
What are the sources to use and in waht order?
Walter Johnson’s Keyword “Slavery”, Melville: Benito Cereno, Louisa Alcott: My Contraband, William Faulkner: Go Down Moses
What does Johnson’s keyword say about race/slavery?
Slavery becomes the antithesis to freedom, and slavery defines freedom. freedom can only be imagined in opposition to it.
What does Benito Cereno say about race?
Slaves have a lack of political consciousness. this is shown through the excuses captain Delano makes when Babo explicitly threatens Don Benito while shaving him, or when he sees the slaves sharpening tools and think they are doing good work for their master.
What does My Contraband say about race?
There is a violation of black domesticity with no repercussions to the white man, and also where the legitimization of African American revenge works only within the nationalistic contest.
What does Go Down MOses say about race?
Different ideas of race through the progression of time as shown through the “hunt”. At first the hunt is about chasing a slave, and sporting, while later, the hunt is seen to transcend slave boundaries. Also showed African American freedom as w/o any hope.
