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The Cultural-Studies Perspective On "Exclusions" And "Inclusions" In Invisible Man

Posted on:2011-08-29Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Country:ChinaCandidate:C C MiFull Text:PDF
GTID:2155360305459583Subject:English Language and Literature
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man depicts the growing-up journey of a Black teenager. Diverse critical approaches and perspectives have been made on this book. However, there is little critical studies which focuses on the themes of "exclusions" and "inclusions" of Blacks in American society from the perspective of cultural studies, thus probes into the situation and a way out of Blacks and their culture.Though Blacks are members of American nation, they are excluded by the mainstream culture of Whites. Through an analysis of the identity and values of Blacks, the thesis points out the dual capacity, the obedience and rebellious "habitus" and torments of Blacks. In order to get out of difficulties, Blacks in America make efforts to learn the American mainstream culture to enter into the high ranks of society, only to find the truth that Whites try to oppress and make use of Blacks and push Black culture aside by American mainstream culture so as to build the legal leadership of Whites and let Blacks accept the White culture. To get rid of the control of the American mainstream culture and fight for the recognition of Black culture, Blacks should learn American mainstream culture on the basis of deep understanding of Black culture, adopt its essence and remove the dross so as to develop Black culture. "Inclusions" mean that Black Jazz, with its unique artistic and creative style, has been recognized all over the world and become part of American mainstream culture. Hence, Blacks should actively seek and develop the uniqueness of Black culture and make use of it to ranks among the mainstream. Out of the limitation of the "protest novel", Ralph Ellison argues to develop the multiculturalism and calls on Blacks to make self-realization, consider the society in a correct way and fight for their equal position to Whites. If diverse cultures could keep a friendly relationship with each other, the multicultural American nation would develop harmoniously.
Keywords/Search Tags:Invisible Man, Exclusions, Inclusions, Cultural Studies, African-American, Music, literature
PDF Full Text Request
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