REDEFINING BLACK FEMALE IDENTITY: A FEMINIST READING OF GLORIA NAYLOR’S THE WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE

Rashmi

Research Scholar, Department of English & Foreign Languages, MDU, Rohtak

Email: ahlawatrashmi601@gmail.com

Abstract:

Afro-American women have always found themselves at the last rung of the social hierarchal system. The social hierarchal system based on class, gender and race has always been causing suffering for Afro American women. They have been psychologically conditioned to embrace the antiquated concept of femininity and hence continue to be the victims of internal and external oppression.

African-American literature testifies that equality and freedom have always been denied to Blacks, especially to black women. Black women’s’ writings are the tales of the denial and subjugation. These new black women are aware of their historical and present psychological and physical oppression and are capable of demanding, creating and achieving new and equal opportunities for themselves. The Women of Brewster Place is a novel by Gloria Naylor narrating the story of seven women of colour and their journey towards their search of new identity and their efforts towards empowerment.

Key words: Hierarchy, Victims, Migration, Racism, Empowerment.