Themes to be explored in ‘The Artificial Nigger’ Flashcards
What is a central theme in The Artificial Nigger?
The way racial constructs shape the identities and actions of individuals in Southern society.
How does the title The Artificial Nigger reflect the theme of racial identity in the story?
It highlights the derogatory term used for African Americans and suggests that racial categories are socially constructed and subject to manipulation.
How are racial dominance and inequality portrayed in the story?
Racial dominance is shown through the subtle ways white characters, like Mr. Head, treat Black people as inferior, reflecting the larger social order of the time.
What role does Mr. Head’s paternalistic attitude play in the story?
It reflects the subtle forms of racial dominance, where white characters view African Americans as objects or curiosities rather than equals.
How does the intersection of race and class affect Mr. Head and his grandson?
Their poverty complicates their racial attitudes, as they cling to the belief of racial superiority despite their own economic marginalization.
How does O’Connor use Mr. Head’s journey to the city to explore race and class?
The journey illustrates how race and class are interconnected, showing that despite their poverty, Mr. Head and his grandson maintain a belief in their racial superiority.
What is the theme of ignorance and prejudice in The Artificial Nigger?
Mr. Head’s ignorance, both geographic and moral, highlights how racial prejudice is learned and passed down through generations.
How does Mr. Head’s ignorance affect his interactions with African Americans?
His deep-seated prejudices stem from misconceptions and stereotypes, making his interactions with Black individuals a reflection of broader societal issues.
What is the significance of the contrasting settings of the countryside and the city?
The rural countryside represents provincialism and isolation, while the city symbolizes modernity, diversity, and moral challenges, confronting Mr. Head’s old prejudices.
How does the theme of artificiality and authenticity appear in the story?
The “artificial” in the title reflects the constructed nature of racial categories, and Mr. Head’s journey challenges his narrow, racist worldview and exposes the authenticity of the world outside.
How is the city described in relation to Mr. Head’s worldview?
The city represents a false or deceptive environment that does not adhere to Mr. Head’s rigid, preconceived notions, reflecting the artificial nature of societal prejudice.
How does O’Connor’s Catholicism influence The Artificial Nigger?
Religion serves as a means of exploring moral and spiritual themes, with Mr. Head’s journey representing a spiritual pilgrimage toward redemption or damnation.
What role does redemption play in the story?
Mr. Head’s potential for redemption is hinted at through his confrontation with the humanity of African Americans, but O’Connor leaves open whether he will truly change.
How does O’Connor’s use of language contribute to the story’s themes?
Her use of dialect and vernacular speech adds authenticity, exposing the contradictions in Mr. Head’s character and revealing the absurdity of prejudice.
What is the effect of O’Connor’s dark humor in the story?
The dark humor highlights the absurdity of prejudice and the limitations of the characters’ understanding, making her critique of Southern society more powerful.
