The Negro in American Fiction

A scholarly analysis written in the late 20th century. This work is a comprehensive study that addresses the portrayal of Black characters and authors in American literature, examining the social factors and attitudes across various literary schools and historical contexts. The book seems to delve into the evolution of these representations, focusing on how racial stereotypes have been perpetuated and challenged throughout American literary history. The opening of the work introduces its purpose and scope, providing an overview of how African Americans have been depicted in fiction, from early narratives to contemporary literature. Brown discusses the historical significance of the Negro in American life and fiction, illustrating how these characters often reflect societal perceptions influenced by factors like slavery, racism, and social policies. In doing so, the text sets the stage for a critical examination of various literary traditions, including pro-slavery and antislavery narratives, the plantation tradition, and the emerging voices of Black authors. Through this lens, Brown argues for the necessity of nuanced and authentic representations of Black lives and experiences in literature.