Double Consciousness in Literature & Theory

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

Aspect	Meanings
Dual Identity	Refers to the simultaneous existence of two distinct aspects of identity, namely being American and Black, as articulated by W.E.B. Du Bois.
Constant Awareness	Implies an ongoing consciousness of how individuals are perceived by both their community and the broader society, contributing to a perpetual state of self-reflection.
Navigating Conflicting Perceptions	Involves the negotiation of societal expectations and personal introspection, leading to a complex interplay between the individual’s self-perception and external societal judgments.
Racial Stratification	Arises within the context of a society marked by racial hierarchies, where individuals experience the tension of belonging to multiple identities in a stratified environment.
Pivotal Concept in Social Discourse	Holds significance in discussions on race, identity, and social justice, shaping intellectual discourse and contributing to broader conversations on equality and societal expectations.

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

Literary Theory	Relevance of Double Consciousness
Feminist Literary Theory	Examines the intersectionality of race and gender, particularly in the experiences of Black women, as explored by scholars like bell hooks.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Applies to characters negotiating identities in the aftermath of colonial rule, as exemplified in works by Frantz Fanon, such as Black Skin, White Masks.
African-American Literary Theory	Foundational to the analysis of how Black characters negotiate identities within a racially stratified society, evident in works like The Souls of Black Folk.
Intersectional Literary Criticism	Considers the simultaneous influence of various social categories, exploring characters navigating multiple layers of identity, including race and gender.
Magical Realism	Depicts double consciousness in a surreal manner within fantastical settings, such as in Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad.
Cultural Studies	Engages with double consciousness in relation to cultural identity and societal expectations, uncovering nuanced portrayals of identity negotiation.
Existentialism	Explores the existential angst and identity crisis associated with double consciousness, where characters grapple with the meaning of their existence.
Narrative Theory	Analyzes how authors use narrative structures to convey the complexity of double consciousness, employing techniques like multiple perspectives or non-linear narratives.

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.