Introduction
African American literature has an interwoven relationship with the historical experiences of African Americans. Hugh Grant’s perspective on history as a constructed text underlines the way African American literature responds to and is shaped by its historical context. This body of literature is not merely a recounting of past events but a complex interplay of ideological considerations, the quest for freedom, and the assertion of authenticity. The antebellum period saw African Americans depicted in morally charged and distorted ways, while postbellum literature sought to counteract these stereotypes. Despite these challenges, African American writers have emerged as pivotal figures in American literature, using their voices to chronicle their unique experiences and perspectives.
History: Early African American Literature
The history of African American literature can be traced back to the period between the United States' declaration of independence in 1776 and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. This era marked a significant phase in which African American literature began to establish its own identity, achieving a golden period just before the war. While it can be aligned with English literature courses due to its use of the English language, African American literature is distinguished by its unique cultural and historical context rooted in African traditions and experiences.
Van Wyck Brooks aptly describes this history as a narrative of its "makers and finders"—those who created and shaped African American literature and those who provided it with meaning and understanding. This literature reflects a journey from the harsh realities of slavery and dehumanization to the pursuit of freedom, self-assessment, and identity. It embodies the transformation from rebellion and oppression to growth, acceptance, and the sharing of a dual consciousness.
The narrative voice in African American literature adds depth and personality, enhancing the storytelling with the writer's experiences and insights. This literature is characterized by a sense of place, tracing the journey from Africa through the Middle Passage to the uncertainties of a new world. It reveals real and imagined places, characters, and plots that collectively give credence to the African American literary tradition. Studying this literature involves delving into the lives and works of its creators, exploring genres, forms, trends, and movements, and understanding its evolution from infancy to a prominent place in literature today.
Early African American Writers
One of the earliest known pieces of African American literature is Lucy Terry's "Bars Fight," a poem written in 1746 and published in 1855. This work marks the beginning of a rich literary tradition that would continue to grow and evolve.
Phillis Wheatley, born in 1753 in Gambia and brought to America as a slave at the age of seven, is another pioneering figure in African American literature. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetic talents. Wheatley published her first collection of poems in 1773, becoming the first published African American poet. Her work was praised by leading figures of the American Revolution, including George Washington, who personally thanked her for a poem written in his honor. Wheatley's success not only led to her emancipation but also helped to create the genre of African American literature.
Another notable figure is Jupiter Hammon, who praised Wheatley in one of his poems. Hammon was one of the first published African American writers in America, and his work also contributed to the early development of African American literature.
Conclusion
From the pioneering works of Lucy Terry and Phillis Wheatley to the contributions of Jupiter Hammon, these early writers laid the foundation for a rich and diverse literary tradition. Their works reflect a deep engagement with their historical and cultural contexts, transforming their experiences of oppression and marginalization into powerful narratives that continue to resonate. Studying early African American literature provides valuable insights into the complexities of identity, freedom, and cultural expression, highlighting the enduring significance of this literary tradition in the broader landscape of American literature.
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