Black Motherhood as a Site of Power: Morrison’s Exploration of Maternal Violence in Beloved, Sula and God Help the Child within the History of Black Movements in the United States
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study examines Toni Morrison’s exploration of the notion of Black motherhood as a site of power and resistance, focusing on the evolution of maternal violence in her narratives: Beloved, Sula and God Help the Child. By aligning these narratives with critical periods in African American history – the American Civil War, the civil rights movement and the contemporary Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement – this thesis investigates how maternal violence in these narratives serves as a powerful force, challenging social norms and reflecting enduring struggles in Black communities. In Morrison’s earlier narratives, Beloved and Sula, maternal violence is interpreted as a manifestation of protective love within an oppressive culture, reflecting maternal power. However, in Morrison’s last work, God Help the Child, there is a shift and maternal violence is interpreted as a manifestation of maternal weakness and absence. By investigating these themes, this thesis aims to shed light on the complexities and subversive dimensions of Black motherhood, revealing the intersections between maternal violence, historical context and the legacy of Black power and resistance. It considers the role of Black motherhood in resisting oppression, offering valuable insights for contemporary debates concerning race and social justice.
Author: F Shubaili (21972407)
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6989617703