Charles W. Chestnutt: The House Behind the Cedars (1900)

Abstract: (9 pp) The success of "passing" for white dangles in front of those with "mixed blood," in the South of the post-Civil war. Education and training may make "the passing," easier to accomplish, but still maintains a social fragility, that is always in danger of collapsing. Chestnutt mines this psychological tension, as we wish for our major characters to succeed, and at the same time realize the odds and the history, that they are working against.

Filename: BBchstnt.doc

Pages: 9

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Catagory:

Subcatagory: Slavery, Racism & Civil Rights

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