Date of Award
5-1-2011
Degree Type
Thesis
University or Center
Clark Atlanta University(CAU)
School
School of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Susan P. Wright
Second Advisor
Dr. Viktor O. Osinubi
Third Advisor
Dr. Alma Vinyard
Abstract
This thesis examines the efforts necessary to mask and the aftermath in
doing so as illustrated in Daniel Black’s Perfect Peace and Obery Hendricks’s
Living Water. The focus of this study is to explore how Black and Hendricks
demonstration of Dunbar’s concept of masking evolves from societal
oppression. The environment and social constructions within the two novels
centralizes the cause to wear the mask. The female characters discussed in this
paper tacitly agree with their oppressors to at least pretend to submit to their
own oppression. Black and Hendricks develop female characters that emerge
from their oppression and achieve self-assertion. The female characters
redefine and redeem themselves through unconventional concepts of heroism.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Lakeitha Shana, "The perfect mask: examining the diligence in masking in Daniel black's perfect peace and Obery Hendricks's living water" (2011). ETD Collection for Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center. Paper 236.
http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/236