Challenges Faced by Female Characters: A Post-Colonial Analysis of Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad.

Authors

  • G. Keerthika PG & Research Department of English, Jamal Mohamed College (Autonomous),Tiruchirappalli – 620020
  • G. L. Christina Martha

Keywords:

Colson Whitehead, The Underground Railroad, postcolonialism, gender, race, class, identity, solidarity, marginalization.

Abstract

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a captivating work of historical fiction that reimagines the Underground Railroad as a physical network of tunnels and trains. The story follows Cora, a young enslaved woman who escapes from a Georgia plantation, embarking on a perilous journey through different states in pursuit of freedom. Whitehead's novel delves into the harsh realities of slavery, racism, and the quest for liberty in the 19th century. Through Cora's experiences, the narrative explores the broader systemic oppression faced by African Americans during this tumultuous period. With its inventive approach to historical events and powerful storytelling, "The Underground Railroad" provides a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring impact of slavery on American history. The novel has garnered widespread acclaim for its unique perspective, compelling themes, and its contribution to the ongoing discourse on the legacy of slavery.

References

Whitehead, Colson. The Underground Railroad. Doubleday, 2016.

Smith, Zadie. "Review: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead." The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 5 Aug. 2016, www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/05/the-underground-railroad- colson-whitehead-review-zadie-smith.

McAlpin, Heller. "In "The Underground Railroad,' Black Lives, White Guilt And The American Paradox." NPR, NPR, 12 Aug. 2016, www.npr.org/2016/08/12/489836509/in-the-underground- railroad-black-lives-white-guilt-and-the-american-paradox.

DeBord, Matthew. "Colson Whitehead's Underground Railroad is a Literal Train to Freedom." The Washington Post, WP Company, 17 Aug. 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/colson-whiteheads-underground-railroad-is-a-literal- train-to-freedom/2016/08/17/148a03ce-634f-11e6-96c0-37533479f3f5_story.html.

Published

2024-09-13

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2024): Jamal Academic Research Journal-An Interdisciplinary (JARJ)

Section

Articles

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