Month: October 2023

Etymology of Decolonization

The term “decolonization” is derived from the word “colonization.” It refers to the process and movement through which former colonies and territories gain independence from colonial powers.

The etymology of “decolonization” is rooted in the Latin word “colonus,” which originally referred to a farmer or settler. Over time, it evolved to denote the establishment and expansion of colonies, typically by European powers during the period of imperialism.

The term emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the widespread decolonization movements that sought to end colonial rule, reclaim national sovereignty, and foster political, social, and economic independence among formerly colonized nations.

It encapsulates the dismantling of colonial systems and the assertion of self-determination by nations seeking to free themselves from imperial control and its associated legacies.

Meanings of Decolonization

Definition of Decolonization as a Theoretical Term

Decolonization, as a theoretical term, refers to the multifaceted process by which formerly colonized nations or communities strive to regain political sovereignty and dismantle the enduring legacies of colonial rule.

It involves efforts to reclaim cultural identities, address economic dependencies, and reshape national narratives, often marked by social and educational reforms. It underscores the pursuit of self-determination and the rejection of external control, ultimately aiming to restore autonomy and agency to those who have experienced colonial subjugation.

Decolonization: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Decolonization and Literary Theories

1. Postcolonial Theory:
   • Postcolonial theory is perhaps the most directly relevant to decolonization. It examines the literature and cultural expressions of formerly colonized peoples, focusing on issues of identity, representation, resistance, and the consequences of colonial rule. Postcolonial literature often engages with the process of decolonization and its aftermath.
2. Feminist Theory:
   • Feminist literary theory intersects with decolonization in exploring how gender, along with colonialism, shapes the lives of women in postcolonial societies. It delves into the ways in which decolonization impacts women’s roles and their struggles for equality and autonomy.
3. Identity Theory:
   • Identity theory, including the works of Stuart Hall and Homi Bhabha, is relevant to decolonization because it examines how individuals and communities construct their identities in a postcolonial context. It explores the complexities of identity formation in response to decolonization and the negotiation of multiple cultural affiliations.
4. Narrative Theory:
   • Narrative theory, which deals with storytelling and the construction of meaning, is relevant to decolonization in the context of how narratives about colonialism and its aftermath are created, challenged, and reshaped. Decolonization often involves reevaluating and retelling historical narratives from the perspectives of the formerly colonized.
5. Cultural Studies:
   • Cultural studies, as it intersects with literary theory, addresses the cultural dimensions of decolonization, including language, traditions, and the representation of culture in literature. It explores how culture is redefined and reclaimed in the process of decolonization.
6. Marxist Theory:
   • Marxist literary theory examines the economic and social dimensions of colonialism and how these issues are relevant to decolonization. It considers the redistribution of resources and the role of class struggle in postcolonial contexts.
7. Globalization Theory:
   • Globalization theory, especially in relation to literature, examines the influence of global forces on postcolonial societies. It explores how decolonization intersects with the dynamics of globalization, including the flow of information and cultural exchange.

Decolonization in Literary Criticism

Suggested Readings

1. Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor, 1994.
2. Cesaire, Aime. Discourse on Colonialism. Monthly Review Press, 2001.
3. Coetzee, J.M. Disgrace. Penguin, 1999.
4. Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 2005.
5. Memmi, Albert. The Colonizer and the Colonized. Beacon Press, 1991.
6. Rhys, Jean. Wide Sargasso Sea. W.W. Norton & Company, 1999.
7. Rushdie, Salman. Midnight’s Children. Vintage, 2008.

Concept of Cultural Imperialism

Cultural imperialism is a complex and contested concept that refers to the dominance of one culture over others, often facilitated by economic, political, or technological means. It involves the exportation of cultural products, values, and norms from a more powerful or influential culture to others, leading to the erosion of local traditions and the homogenization of global culture.

Critics argue that it results in the marginalization of indigenous or less dominant cultures, contributing to a form of cultural homogenization.

This phenomenon has been particularly associated with the global spread of Western media, such as Hollywood films and American pop music, which can shape perceptions and preferences worldwide, potentially diminishing cultural diversity and autonomy.

Meanings of Cultural Imperialism

Definition of Cultural Imperialism as a Theoretical Term

Cultural imperialism, as a theoretical term, encapsulates the concept of cultural dominance on a global scale. It refers to the pervasive influence of one culture, often driven by economic, political, or technological supremacy, over other cultures.

This phenomenon leads to the homogenization of global culture, where dominant cultural elements displace and dilute local expressions.

In essence, it is characterized by the unequal power dynamics in the realm of culture, whereby more powerful cultures marginalize and erode the traditions and identities of less dominant ones, resulting in a landscape marked by imbalanced cultural influence and reduced cultural diversity.

Cultural Imperialism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Cultural Imperialism and Literary Theories

1. Postcolonial Theory:
   • It is central to postcolonial theory, which examines the legacy of colonialism on literature and culture. It explores how colonizers imposed their cultural values, language, and literary norms on colonized societies. Postcolonial literature often reflects the resistance to and negotiation of cultural imperialism, highlighting the impact on identity and representation.
2. Cultural Studies:
   • It plays a significant role in cultural studies, which examines how media and literature reflect and perpetuate dominant cultural values. Cultural studies scholars analyze how cultural imperialism influences the production and consumption of literature, as well as its role in shaping cultural identities and norms.
3. World Literature:
   • Cultural imperialism affects the canon of world literature, where certain works are privileged and widely circulated while others are marginalized. The concept sheds light on how Western literature has dominated the global literary landscape, influencing which authors and texts receive international recognition and readership.
4. Feminist Literary Theory:
   • Cultural imperialism intersects with feminist literary theory, especially when considering how gender roles and expectations are exported through literature. Feminist theorists examine how dominant cultures use literature to reinforce gender norms and how this influences the representation and empowerment of women in literature from different cultures.
5. Reception Theory:
   • Cultural imperialism can impact how literature is received by readers. Reception theory considers how readers from diverse cultural backgrounds interpret and respond to literary texts, taking into account the influence of dominant cultural values and norms on their understanding and appreciation of literature.
6. Postmodernism:
   • Postmodern literature often critiques and deconstructs grand narratives and cultural hegemony. Authors may use postmodern techniques to challenge cultural imperialism and question the authority of dominant cultural discourses in literature.
7. Translation Studies:
   • Cultural imperialism is pertinent in translation studies, as it raises questions about the power dynamics in translation. The choice of which foreign works to translate, how they are translated, and the cultural context in which they are presented can all reflect and perpetuate cultural imperialism.

Cultural Imperialism in Literary Criticism

Suggested Readings

1. Featherstone, Mike. Global Culture: Nationalism, Globalization, and Modernity. Sage, 1990.
2. Lull, James. Culture in the Communication Age. Routledge, 2000.
3. McChesney, Robert W. Rich Media, Poor Democracy: Communication Politics in Dubious Times. University of Illinois Press, 1999.
4. Said, Edward. Orientalism. Vintage, 1978.
5. Schiller, Herbert. Communication and Cultural Domination. International Arts and Sciences Press, 1976.
6. Schiller, Herbert I. Culture, Inc.: The Corporate Takeover of Public Expression. Oxford University Press, 1989.
7. Tomlinson, John. Cultural Imperialism. Continuum, 1991.
8. Tomlinson, John. Globalization and Culture. University of Chicago Press, 1999.
9. Tunstall, Jeremy. The Media Are American: Anglo-American Media in the World. Columbia University Press, 1977.

Etymology of Individuation

The term “individuation” has its roots in Latin, deriving from the word “individuare,” which means “to make undivided” or “to distinguish as an individual.”

In academic and philosophical contexts, individuation refers to the process of becoming a distinct and unique entity, separate from a collective or a larger whole.

This concept was notably developed in depth by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who used it to describe the psychological process of self-realization and differentiation, where an individual becomes more self-aware and distinct from the collective unconscious.

Individuation has since become a fundamental concept in psychology, sociology, and philosophy, signifying the quest for self-identity and autonomy in the human experience.

Meanings of Individuation

Definition of Individuation as a Theoretical Term

Individuation, as a theoretical term, refers to the process by which an individual acquires a distinct and unique identity, differentiating themselves from a larger societal or cultural context.

It encompasses the development of self-awareness, personal autonomy, and the formation of one’s values and beliefs, often explored in psychology, philosophy, and sociology.

This concept is integral to understanding the quest for self-realization and the inherent uniqueness of each person within a broader social framework.

Individuation: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Individuation and Literary Theories

1. Psychological Criticism:
   • In psychological criticism, particularly in the context of analyzing characters in literature, individuation is a key concept. It involves examining how characters undergo a process of self-discovery, growth, and differentiation from their initial state. The analysis often explores the character’s journey towards self-realization and the conflicts they face in the process.
2. Bildungsroman:
   • The Bildungsroman, or coming-of-age novel, is a literary genre that focuses on the protagonist’s journey to adulthood and self-discovery. Individuation is central to this genre, as it explores the character’s maturation, the development of their unique identity, and their ability to navigate the complexities of the world.
3. Existentialism:
   • Existentialist literary theory, as found in the works of authors like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, is concerned with themes of individuality, authenticity, and the search for meaning. Individuation is relevant in existentialist literature as characters often grapple with questions of identity, freedom, and the meaning of existence.
4. Feminist Literary Theory:
   • Feminist literary theory often examines how female characters in literature undergo individuation and liberation from societal constraints. This theory explores how women in literature seek self-identity and autonomy in patriarchal societies, breaking free from traditional roles and expectations.
5. Postcolonial Literature:
   • Postcolonial literature frequently deals with issues related to identity, cultural assimilation, and the process of individuation in a postcolonial context. Characters may grapple with their cultural identity and the impact of colonization on their sense of self.
6. Literary Modernism:
   • Literary modernism, represented by authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, often delves into the inner thoughts and consciousness of characters. Individuation plays a role in exploring the fragmented and evolving nature of individual identity in a rapidly changing world.
7. Archetypal Criticism:
   • Archetypal criticism, influenced by Jungian psychology, investigates the recurring patterns and symbols in literature. Individuation can be seen as the process through which characters confront archetypal elements, such as the hero’s journey, and achieve a more complete sense of self.
8. Poststructuralism and Deconstruction:
   • In poststructuralist and deconstructionist approaches, individuation is explored in the context of how language and cultural constructs shape individual identity. These theories question the stability of identity and the role of language in defining and deconstructing it.

Individuation, as a multifaceted concept, provides rich material for literary analysis and interpretation, allowing scholars and critics to explore the complexities of individual identity and self-discovery in literary works across various genres and time periods.

Individuation in Literary Criticism

1. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse: In this philosophical novel, Siddhartha embarks on a spiritual and existential journey in search of self-realization. The story follows his path from a life of privilege to a quest for enlightenment as he grapples with the concept of individual identity and the quest for inner truth.
2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin: The novel focuses on the character of Edna Pontellier, who undergoes a process of individuation in the context of societal expectations and gender roles. Edna’s awakening to her own desires, independence, and the rejection of societal norms challenges the constraints placed upon her, ultimately leading to her tragic fate.
3. The Stranger by Albert Camus: In this existentialist novel, the character Meursault experiences a profound form of individuation through his detachment from societal and emotional conventions. His journey to self-realization unfolds as he grapples with the absurdity of life, culminating in a powerful and unsettling exploration of individuality.
4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel follows the character Esther Greenwood as she confronts issues of identity, mental health, and societal pressures. Her journey into the depths of depression and her eventual recovery represent a complex

These novels by different authors offer diverse perspectives on individuation, exploring the multifaceted and often challenging process of self-discovery, growth, and the quest for individual identity within unique contexts and themes.

Suggested Readings

1. Jung, Carl G. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Princeton University Press, 1969.
2. Hesse, Hermann. Siddhartha. New Directions, 1951.
3. Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. Dover Publications, 1993.
4. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Vintage, 1989.
5. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. Harper & Row, 1971.
6. Erikson, Erik H. Identity and the Life Cycle. W. W. Norton & Company, 1980.
7. May, Rollo. The Courage to Create. W. W. Norton & Company, 1994.
8. Kierkegaard, Søren. The Concept of Anxiety. Princeton University Press, 2014.
9. Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. Emile, or On Education. Basic Books, 1979.
10. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Harper & Row, 1962.

Concept of Hegemonic Discourse

The concept of hegemonic discourse, rooted in the works of Antonio Gramsci, emphasizes the dominance and control exerted by a particular group over societal narratives, values, and beliefs.

It operates as a form of cultural and ideological leadership that shapes prevailing norms, influencing how individuals perceive their social reality. It involves the dissemination of dominant ideologies through institutions like media, education, and politics, creating a consensus that reinforces the interests and perspectives of the ruling class.

It is not merely about overt power but operates subtly through language, norms, and symbols, influencing how individuals understand and interpret their world. This concept underscores the crucial role of language and communication in the perpetuation of social hierarchies and the preservation of dominant ideologies.

Meanings of Hegemonic Discourse

Definition of Hegemonic Discourse as a Theoretical Term

Hegemonic discourse, as a theoretical term originating from the works of Antonio Gramsci, refers to the pervasive influence exercised by a dominant group over societal narratives, values, and beliefs. It denotes the subtle yet potent control exerted through cultural and ideological leadership, shaping prevailing norms and influencing individuals’ perceptions of their social reality.

It operates through institutional dissemination, employing media, education, and politics to create consensus, reinforcing the interests and perspectives of the ruling class while subtly permeating language and symbols in a manner that perpetuates social hierarchies.

Hegemonic Discourse: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Antonio Gramsci:
   • Works: Gramsci’s seminal contributions, particularly in Prison Notebooks, lay the groundwork for the concept of hegemonic discourse.
   • Arguments: Gramsci argued that the ruling class maintains its dominance not only through political and economic control but also through the dissemination of its worldview as the societal norm.
2. Stuart Hall:
   • Works: Hall’s influential writings on cultural studies, including Encoding/Decoding, contribute to the understanding of how hegemonic discourse operates in media and communication.
   • Arguments: Hall emphasized the role of media in framing and disseminating dominant ideologies, affecting how audiences decode and internalize these messages.
3. Laclau and Mouffe:
   • Works: In Hegemony and Socialist Strategy, Laclau and Mouffe expanded on Gramsci’s ideas, introducing the concept of radical democracy and hegemony in post-Marxist thought.
   • Arguments: They argued that hegemonic discourse is central to the formation of political identities and the construction of social order, highlighting the contingent and contestable nature of hegemony.

Arguments:

1. Power and Control:
   • Theorists contend that hegemonic discourse is a mechanism of power and control, wherein the dominant group shapes societal norms and values to perpetuate its influence.
2. Cultural Leadership:
   • The concept emphasizes cultural and ideological leadership as a means through which the ruling class influences perceptions, reinforcing its worldview as the standard.
3. Institutional Dissemination:
   • The institutional dissemination of dominant ideologies, particularly through media, education, and political structures, is crucial in maintaining hegemonic discourse.
4. Construction of Reality:
   • Theorists argue that hegemonic discourse plays a pivotal role in constructing a shared reality, influencing how individuals perceive and interpret their social environment.
5. Resistance and Contestation:
   • Some argue that while hegemonic discourse is a tool of dominance, it is not monolithic, and there are spaces for resistance and contestation where alternative discourses can emerge.

Understanding hegemonic discourse involves recognizing its pervasive influence in shaping societal narratives, acknowledging the contested nature of hegemony, and exploring how individuals navigate and sometimes resist these dominant discourses.

Hegemonic Discourse and Literary Theories

1. Marxist Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Hegemonic discourse aligns closely with Marxist literary theory, where scholars examine how literature reflects and reinforces the dominant ideologies of the ruling class. The concept is used to analyze how literary works may perpetuate or challenge the prevailing social order.
2. Cultural Studies:
   • Relevance: Hegemonic discourse is a central concept in cultural studies, particularly in analyzing how literature contributes to the construction and dissemination of dominant cultural ideologies. Scholars explore how texts participate in shaping societal norms and values.
3. Postcolonial Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: In postcolonial literature, the concept of hegemonic discourse is pertinent to understanding how colonial powers impose and perpetuate their ideologies through literary representations. It aids in deciphering power dynamics in the colonial and postcolonial contexts.
4. Feminist Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: Hegemonic discourse is explored in feminist literary theory to analyze how gender roles and norms are constructed and perpetuated in literature. This perspective reveals how certain narratives contribute to or resist patriarchal ideologies.
5. Critical Race Theory:
   • Relevance: Critical race theorists employ the concept of hegemonic discourse to examine how racial ideologies are embedded in literary texts. It helps uncover how literature reflects and reinforces racial hierarchies and challenges dominant racial narratives.
6. Queer Theory:
   • Relevance: Hegemonic discourse is pertinent to queer theory, which explores how societal norms regarding sexuality are constructed and maintained. Scholars analyze literature to uncover how it participates in or resists hegemonic constructions of sexual identity.
7. Narrative Theory:
   • Relevance: Narrative theorists use the concept of hegemonic discourse to investigate how narratives, through their structures and content, contribute to the construction and dissemination of dominant ideologies. This perspective enriches the analysis of storytelling techniques.
8. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory:
   • Relevance: In psychoanalytic literary theory, scholars may examine how hegemonic discourse influences the representation of psychological and emotional experiences in literature. It contributes to understanding the ways in which dominant ideologies shape characters’ internal worlds.

Understanding the role of hegemonic discourse within these literary theories provides a nuanced lens through which scholars analyze how literature participates in, resists, or transforms dominant ideologies across various social and cultural contexts.

Hegemonic Discourse in Literary Criticism

1. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace:
   • Critique: Wallace’s Infinite Jest provides a detailed exploration of the impact of hegemonic discourse, particularly through characters like Hal Incandenza, who grapples with the influence of media and entertainment on individual identity. The novel’s intricate narrative weaves in events such as the creation of the film “Infinite Jest,” reflecting on the hegemonic power of media in shaping societal norms and individual behaviors.
2. White Teeth by Zadie Smith:
   • Critique: In Smith’s White Teeth, characters like Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal navigate the complexities of multicultural London. Literary critics may analyze specific events, such as the characters’ interactions with institutions, to understand how regarding race, immigration, and cultural assimilation it is portrayed and challenged within the narrative.
3. The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon:
   • Critique: Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49 unfolds as a postmodern conspiracy narrative. Critics might focus on the character Oedipa Maas and events like her investigation into the Tristero system. The novel’s complex structure allows for an examination of how hegemonic discourse is questioned, disrupted, and reinterpreted by characters navigating hidden power structures.
4. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell:
   • Critique: Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas intricately interconnects characters across different time periods. Literary critics may examine specific events, such as the relationship between characters in different stories, to explore how the novel challenges hegemonic discourse by questioning traditional power structures and highlighting the consequences of interconnected narratives.

In these novels, characters serve as vehicles through which the authors explore and critique hegemonic discourse. Specific events and interactions provide rich material for literary critics to analyze how the novels engage with dominant narratives, deconstruct power structures, and offer alternative perspectives. The postmodern nature of these works allows for a nuanced examination of how hegemonic discourse is portrayed and contested within the intricate fabric of the narratives.

Suggested Readings

1. Chomsky, Noam. Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media. Pantheon Books, 1988.
2. Foucault, Michel. The Archaeology of Knowledge. Routledge, 1972.
3. Gramsci, Antonio. Selections from the Prison Notebooks. International Publishers, 1971.
4. Hall, Stuart. Encoding and Decoding in the Television Discourse. Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, 1973.
5. Laclau, Ernesto, and Chantal Mouffe. Hegemony and Socialist Strategy: Towards a Radical Democratic Politics. Verso, 1985.
6. Lull, James. Media, Communication, Culture: A Global Approach. Columbia University Press, 2000.
7. Said, Edward. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1978.
8. Williams, Raymond. Culture and Society, 1780-1950. Columbia University Press, 1983.

Etymology Of Double Consciousness in Literature

Coined by the eminent scholar W.E.B. Du Bois in his seminal work, The Souls of Black Folk (1903), the term “double consciousness” in literature encapsulates the intricate psychological experience of African Americans grappling with a dual identity.

Du Bois introduced this concept as a means to articulate the constant awareness faced by individuals who are both American and Black, navigating societal perceptions and internal reflections simultaneously.

The etymology of “double consciousness” underscores a nuanced understanding of identity within a society marked by racial stratification, where individuals contend with conflicting perceptions of self. Emerging from Du Bois’s socio-philosophical exploration, the term has evolved into a pivotal concept in discussions on race, identity, and the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal introspection.

Meanings Of Double Consciousness in Literature

Definition Of Double Consciousness As A Theoretical Term

Double consciousness, as a theoretical term, was coined by W.E.B. Du Bois to describe the psychological experience of African Americans navigating a dual identity in a racially stratified society.

It encapsulates the simultaneous awareness of being both American and Black, leading to a perpetual negotiation between societal expectations and individual self-perception.

This concept remains a cornerstone in discussions on race and identity, elucidating the complex interplay between internal reflections and external judgments in marginalized communities.

Double Consciousness in Literature: Theorists, Works And Arguments

Theorists:

1. W.E.B. Du Bois:
   • Works: Du Bois introduced the concept of double consciousness in his seminal work The Souls of Black Folk (1903).
   • Arguments: Du Bois argued that African Americans experience a dual identity, being both American and Black, leading to a constant awareness of how they are perceived by society and by themselves.
2. Frantz Fanon:
   • Works: Fanon explored the psychological impact of colonialism in works like Black Skin, White Masks (1952), and The Wretched of the Earth (1961).
   • Arguments: Fanon extended the concept to colonial contexts, highlighting the internal conflict and identity challenges faced by colonized individuals.
3. bell hooks:
   • Works: hooks, in works like Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism (1981) and Black Looks: Race and Representation (1992), discusses double consciousness within the intersectionality of race and gender.
   • Arguments: hooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique experiences of Black women and how they navigate multiple layers of consciousness.

Arguments:

1. Cultural Identity and Oppression:
   • Theorists argue that double consciousness arises from the historical oppression and cultural identity challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly African Americans.
2. Colonial and Postcolonial Contexts:
   • The concept is extended beyond racial lines to encompass the psychological effects of colonialism, addressing the internal conflicts experienced by colonized individuals in postcolonial societies.
3. Intersectionality:
   • Some theorists, like bell hooks, integrate double consciousness into discussions of intersectionality, recognizing how individuals simultaneously navigate race, gender, and other social categories.
4. Critical Reflection:
   • The concept calls for critical reflection on the internalized judgments and external societal expectations, prompting a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between self-perception and societal perceptions.

These theorists and their works contribute to a rich theoretical framework that explores the multifaceted nature of double consciousness in various social and historical contexts.

Double Consciousness in Literature And Literary Theories

Double Consciousness In Literary Criticism

1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett:
   • Critique: In Bennett’s novel, double consciousness is evident in the lives of the twin sisters, Desiree and Stella, who take different paths regarding their racial identity. Literary critics may analyze how the characters navigate the complexities of racial passing and the internal conflicts associated with their dual identities.
2. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen:
   • Critique: In this novel, the protagonist, a half-French, half-Vietnamese spy, embodies a form of double consciousness as he straddles two worlds during the Vietnam War. Critics might explore how the character’s internal conflict reflects larger themes of identity, loyalty, and the impact of colonialism.
3. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid:
   • Critique: Reid’s novel delves into the experiences of a young Black babysitter and her employer. Literary critics may examine how the characters grapple with societal expectations and racial stereotypes, illustrating instances of double consciousness in contemporary urban settings.
4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:
   • Critique: While primarily a fantasy novel, Morgenstern’s work incorporates elements of magical realism. Critics might explore how characters in the enchanting world of the circus navigate a sense of double consciousness, transcending the ordinary and the magical realms, reflecting on themes of identity and self-discovery.

In literary criticism of these novels, scholars may analyze how the authors use narrative techniques, character development, and thematic exploration to portray instances of double consciousness. This analysis could provide insights into the characters’ internal struggles, societal expectations, and the broader implications of dual identities within contemporary and fantastical contexts.

Suggested Readings

1. Du Bois, W.E.B. The Souls of Black Folk. Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Fanon, Frantz. Black Skin, White Masks. Grove Press, 2008.
3. hooks, bell. Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism. South End Press, 2015.
4. Nguyen, Viet Thanh. The Sympathizer. Grove Press, 2016.
5. Reid, Kiley. Such a Fun Age. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2019.
6. Bennett, Brit. The Vanishing Half. Riverhead Books, 2020.
7. Morgenstern, Erin. The Night Circus. Anchor, 2012.
8. Whitehead, Colson. The Underground Railroad. Doubleday, 2016.