Whiteness in Literature: An In-Depth Analysis

In the broad literature landscape, certain themes have dominated more than others, often overshadowing the rich diversity of voices. One such theme is whiteness, a concept that has subtly yet profoundly influenced the narratives we consume. But what exactly is whiteness in literature, and why is it crucial to examine it?

Imagine reading a novel where the characters, settings, and cultural references reflect a singular, dominant perspective. This is not a coincidence but a reflection of the pervasive nature of whiteness in literary works. By delving into this topic, we uncover the layers of bias and privilege that have shaped our literary canon.

Today, we will explore the historical context of whiteness in literature, analyse key theoretical frameworks, and examine emblematic books that highlight this phenomenon. Drawing from a wealth of scholarly research, including articles from LitHub, Duke University Press, and Gulf Coast Magazine, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of how whiteness has been constructed and challenged in literature. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the intricate relationship between whiteness and the stories we cherish.

Unmasking Whiteness: What Lies Beneath the Surface

The concept of whiteness in literature is deeply rooted in the historical development of Western literary traditions. To understand its evolution, we must first examine the socio-political contexts that have shaped literary production and consumption over the centuries.

Historical Roots: How Whiteness Shaped Literary Canons

The rise of European colonialism and imperialism in the 16th and 17th centuries played a pivotal role in establishing whiteness as a dominant narrative in literature. During this period, European explorers and settlers documented their encounters with non-European cultures, often portraying them as exotic, primitive, and inferior. These accounts, which were widely read and circulated, reinforced the notion of European superiority and whiteness as the standard of civilisation. This colonial perspective also had a profound impact on Indigenous storytelling, as traditional narratives were often suppressed or altered to fit colonial ideologies. For example, the rich oral traditions of Native American and African cultures were frequently dismissed or appropriated by European writers.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies or territories by a foreign power, often involving the exploitation of resources and Indigenous peoples.

The Enlightenment and the Birth of Modern Literature

The Enlightenment era of the 18th century further cemented the idea of whiteness in literature. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Immanuel Kant, promoted ideals of reason, progress, and universal human rights. However, these ideals were often framed within a Eurocentric perspective that marginalised non-European voices. Eurocentric refers to a worldview that centres on European culture and history, often at the expense of other cultures. The literary works of this period, including novels, essays, and poetry, reflected and perpetuated these biases, presenting whiteness as the norm and other racial identities as deviations from it. For instance, the literature of the Enlightenment period often ignored or misrepresented the rich literary traditions of Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.

Eurocentric: A worldview that centres on European culture and history, often at the expense of other cultures. It implies a bias that considers European culture as superior or more important.

Enlightenment: An intellectual and philosophical movement in the 18th century that emphasised reason, individualism, and scepticism of traditional authority. It promoted ideals of progress and universal human rights, often from a Eurocentric perspective.

The 19th Century and the Rise of the Novel

The 19th century saw the rise of the novel as a popular literary form. This period also witnessed significant social and political changes, including the abolition of slavery and the expansion of European empires. Novels such as “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë and “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville grappled with issues of race and identity, but often from a perspective that centred whiteness. These works contributed to the construction of a literary canon that privileged white experiences and perspectives. Meanwhile, non-European literature, such as “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, began to emerge, offering a counter-narrative to the dominant white perspective and highlighting the impact of colonialism on Indigenous cultures.

Modernism and Postcolonialism

The early 20th century brought about the modernist movement, which sought to break away from traditional literary forms and conventions. While modernist writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf experimented with narrative techniques and themes, their works still largely reflected the dominance of whiteness. However, the postcolonial literature that emerged in the mid-20th century began to challenge this dominance. Writers such as Chinua Achebe and Salman Rushdie offered alternative narratives that decentered whiteness and highlighted the experiences of colonised peoples. For example, Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” and Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children” provided powerful critiques of colonialism and its impact on indigenous storytelling.

Modernism: A literary and cultural movement in the early 20th century that sought to break away from traditional forms and conventions. Modernist writers experimented with narrative techniques and themes, often reflecting the complexities of the modern world.

Postcolonial: Referring to the period after colonial rule, as well as the academic study of the cultural, political, and economic impacts of colonialism. Postcolonial literature often addresses themes of identity, resistance, and the legacy of colonialism.

Whiteness: A social construct that privileges white people and their cultural norms, often at the expense of other racial groups. In literature, whiteness can refer to the dominance of white perspectives and experiences.

Asian Literature

Asian literature is a rich and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of styles, themes, and cultural influences. From the classical poetry of the Tang and Song dynasties in China to the modern novels of Haruki Murakami in Japan, Asian literature has made significant contributions to the global literary landscape. The works of Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet and the first Asian Nobel laureate in Literature, exemplify the profound philosophical and spiritual themes that are often found in Asian literature. Additionally, contemporary Asian authors like Khaled Hosseini and Arundhati Roy have gained international acclaim for their powerful narratives that explore themes of identity, displacement, and social justice.

Middle Eastern Literature

Middle Eastern literature, which includes Arabic, Persian, and Turkish literary traditions, has a long and storied history. Pre-Islamic Arabic literature, characterised by its poetic odes, laid the foundation for a rich literary tradition that has evolved over centuries. The medieval period saw the emergence of iconic works such as “One Thousand and One Nights”, a collection of folk tales that has captivated readers worldwide. In the modern era, Middle Eastern literature has continued to flourish, with authors like Naguib Mahfouz, the first Arabic writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and contemporary writers like Hanan al-Shaykh and Orhan Pamuk, who explore complex themes of identity, politics, and cultural heritage.

Contemporary Literature

In contemporary literature, the examination of whiteness has become more explicit and critical. Authors like Toni Morrison and Jhumpa Lahiri have explored the complexities of racial identity and the impact of whiteness on individual and collective experiences. Their works have contributed to a growing body of literature that seeks to deconstruct and challenge the pervasive influence of whiteness. Additionally, contemporary Indigenous writers, such as Louise Erdrich and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, have brought attention to the rich storytelling traditions of their cultures and how colonialism has impacted these narratives.

Analysis of Emblematic Books

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is often celebrated for its portrayal of racial injustice in the American South. However, it is also a text that reinforces the concept of whiteness through its narrative structure and characterisation. The novel centres around the Finch family, particularly Atticus Finch, who is depicted as a moral hero for defending Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. This portrayal of Atticus as a “white saviour” reinforces the idea that it is the responsibility of white individuals to rescue Black people from racial injustice.

White Saviour: A trope in literature and media where a white character is portrayed as the hero who rescues non-white characters from their plight, often reinforcing racial hierarchies and the notion of white superiority.

The narrative is told from the perspective of Scout Finch, a young white girl, which further centres on the white experience. The Black characters in the novel, including Tom Robinson and Calpurnia, are often depicted in ways that highlight the moral virtues of the white characters. For instance, Tom Robinson is portrayed as a passive victim who relies on Atticus for justice, while Calpurnia is depicted as a loyal servant to the Finch family. This dynamic reinforces the power imbalance between white and Black characters, perpetuating the notion of whiteness as the norm and Blackness as the “other.”

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a novel that explores the American Dream and the social stratification of the 1920s. The representation of whiteness is intricately tied to themes of wealth, privilege, and social status. The characters of Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker are often surrounded by an aura of whiteness, symbolising purity and innocence, despite their morally ambiguous actions. This use of whiteness as a symbol of virtue and desirability reinforces the racial hierarchies of the time.

The novel also addresses the anxieties of the white upper class regarding the changing social landscape. Tom Buchanan’s diatribe in “The Rise of the Coloured Empires” reflects the eugenics movement and the fear of racial mixing. This fear is emblematic of the broader societal concerns about maintaining whiteness as a marker of social and cultural superiority. Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream, symbolised by his desire to win back Daisy, is ultimately a quest for acceptance into the white elite. His failure to achieve this dream underscores the rigid boundaries of whiteness and the exclusionary nature of the American Dream.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a powerful critique of the legacy of slavery and the pervasive impact of whiteness on African American identity. Morrison challenges the notion of whiteness by centring the experiences of Black characters and exploring the psychological and emotional scars left by slavery. The character of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman, grapples with the haunting presence of her deceased daughter, Beloved, who symbolises the traumatic past that continues to affect her present.

Morrison’s narrative technique, which includes fragmented and non-linear storytelling, reflects the disjointed and traumatic nature of the characters’ experiences. This approach disrupts the traditional linear narratives often associated with whiteness and offers a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Black identity. Additionally, Morrison’s use of communal storytelling and African cultural elements challenges the dominance of Western literary traditions and highlights the importance of reclaiming and preserving Black cultural heritage.

Through Beloved, Morrison deconstructs the myth of whiteness as a universal standard and exposes the violence and oppression that underpin it. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the need to acknowledge and address the historical and ongoing impact of whiteness on marginalised communities.

Modern Perspectives: Whiteness in Contemporary Works

In recent years, there has been a growing movement within literature to address and deconstruct the concept of whiteness. Contemporary authors are increasingly challenging the traditional narratives that have centred whiteness and are instead offering more diverse and inclusive perspectives. This shift is evident in a broader range of modern literary works that explore race, identity, and power dynamics.

Exploring Modern Literary Works

One notable example is “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. This novel reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual subterranean network of tracks and tunnels. Through the journey of Cora, an enslaved woman seeking freedom, Whitehead exposes the brutal realities of slavery and the pervasive influence of whiteness on American society. The novel’s speculative elements allow Whitehead to explore the psychological and emotional impact of whiteness uniquely and powerfully.

Speculative Elements: Narrative techniques that incorporate fantastical or imaginative elements, often used to explore complex social and psychological themes in a unique way.

Another significant work is “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This novel follows the story of Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for college. Through Ifemelu’s experiences, Adichie examines the complexities of race and identity in America. The novel highlights how whiteness shapes social interactions and opportunities, and it critiques the notion of a post-racial society. Adichie’s nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience offers a fresh perspective on the impact of whiteness on individuals from diverse backgrounds.

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas is another contemporary work that addresses whiteness and its implications. The novel centres on Starr Carter, a Black teenager who witnesses the police shooting of her friend Khalil. Through Starr’s perspective, Thomas explores the systemic racism and police brutality that disproportionately affect Black communities. The novel’s portrayal of whiteness as a source of power and privilege underscores the urgent need for social justice and reform.

Decentering Whiteness in Fiction

The article from LitHub, “What Does It Look Like to Decenter Whiteness in Fiction?”, provides valuable insights into how authors can challenge the dominance of whiteness in literature. The article argues that decentering whiteness involves more than just including diverse characters; it requires a fundamental shift in narrative perspective and structure. This means creating stories that prioritise the experiences and voices of marginalised communities, rather than using them as backdrops for white protagonists.

Decentering Whiteness: The process of shifting the focus away from white perspectives and experiences in literature, and instead prioritising the voices and experiences of marginalised communities.

One approach to decentering whiteness is to employ narrative techniques that disrupt traditional storytelling conventions. For example, authors can use multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, and fragmented narratives to reflect the complexity and diversity of lived experiences. This approach is evident in works like “There There” by Tommy Orange, which weaves together the stories of twelve Native American characters living in Oakland, California. By presenting a mosaic of voices, Orange challenges the monolithic portrayal of Native American identity and highlights the impact of whiteness on indigenous communities.

Another strategy is to centre the cultural and historical contexts of marginalised communities. In “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi, the novel traces the lineage of two half-sisters and their descendants, spanning three hundred years and multiple generations. Gyasi’s narrative foregrounds the experiences of African and African American characters, offering a powerful critique of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring legacy. By focusing on the cultural heritage and resilience of these communities, Gyasi decentrates whiteness and reclaims their stories.

Critical Reception and Impact

The portrayal of whiteness in literature has been a subject of extensive critical analysis and debate among scholars and critics. The examination of whiteness has led to a deeper understanding of how racial dynamics are constructed and perpetuated through literary works.

Critics have praised Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” for its exploration of racial injustice, but they have also highlighted its limitations in addressing the complexities of whiteness. Some scholars argue that the novel reinforces the “white saviour” trope, which centres on white characters as the primary agents of change while marginalising Black voices. This critique has sparked discussions about the need for more nuanced and inclusive narratives that do not rely on reductive stereotypes.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” has been lauded for its critique of the American Dream, but it has also faced scrutiny for its portrayal of whiteness. Critics have noted that the novel’s depiction of the white upper class reflects the anxieties and prejudices of the time, particularly regarding race and social status. The novel’s exploration of whiteness as a marker of privilege and exclusion has prompted scholars to re-evaluate the cultural and historical contexts in which it was written.

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” has received widespread acclaim for its powerful portrayal of the legacy of slavery and its critique of whiteness. Critics have praised Morrison’s ability to centre Black experiences and challenge the dominant narratives that have historically marginalised them. Her innovative narrative techniques and use of African cultural elements have been recognised as groundbreaking contributions to literature. Morrison’s work has inspired a new generation of writers and scholars to explore the complexities of race and identity in their works.

Impact on Readers and Society

The impact of these literary works on readers and society has been profound. By examining the portrayal of whiteness in literature, these works have contributed to a broader understanding of racial dynamics and how they shape our perceptions and experiences.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” has been a staple in educational curricula, prompting discussions about racial injustice and the importance of empathy and moral courage. However, its portrayal of whiteness has also led to critical reflections on the limitations of the “white saviour” narrative and the need for more diverse and inclusive perspectives in literature.

“The Great Gatsby” has continued to captivate readers with its exploration of the American Dream and the social stratification of the 1920s. The novel’s portrayal of whiteness has sparked important conversations about privilege, exclusion, and the cultural anxieties of the time. These discussions have encouraged readers to critically examine the historical and social contexts that shape literary works and their relevance to contemporary issues.

“Beloved” has had a profound impact on readers and society by shedding light on the traumatic legacy of slavery and the enduring impact of whiteness on African American identity. Morrison’s work has inspired readers to confront the painful history of racial oppression and to recognise the resilience and strength of marginalised communities. The novel’s critical reception and widespread acclaim have also highlighted the importance of centring on Black voices and experiences in literature.

Overall, the examination of whiteness in literature has led to a more nuanced and critical understanding of race and identity. These literary works have challenged readers to reflect on their assumptions and biases, and they have contributed to ongoing conversations about social justice and equality.

Embracing a Diverse Literary Tradition

In this essay, we have delved into the intricate and pervasive concept of whiteness in literature. We began by exploring the historical context, tracing the development of whiteness from the colonial and imperial eras through the Enlightenment, the rise of the novel in the 19th century, and the modernist and postcolonial movements. We highlighted the impact of colonialism on indigenous storytelling and examined the rich literary traditions of Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.

Through the analysis of emblematic books such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, we uncovered how whiteness has been constructed, reinforced, and challenged in literature. These works provided valuable insights into the complexities of racial dynamics and the power structures that underpin them.

We also explored contemporary perspectives, examining modern literary works that address or deconstruct whiteness. Authors like Colson Whitehead, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Angie Thomas have offered fresh and critical perspectives on race and identity, challenging traditional narratives and centring the experiences of marginalised communities. The article from LitHub on decentering whiteness in fiction provided further insights into how authors can disrupt the dominance of whiteness in literature.

The critical reception and impact of these literary works have been profound, prompting readers and scholars to reflect on their assumptions and biases. By examining the portrayal of whiteness in literature, these works have contributed to ongoing conversations about social justice and equality.

Reflecting on the Importance of Examining Whiteness in Literature

The examination of whiteness in literature is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows us to uncover the biases and power dynamics that have shaped our literary canon. By recognising and challenging these biases, we can work towards a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape that reflects the richness of human experiences.

Secondly, examining whiteness in literature helps to highlight how racial dynamics are constructed and perpetuated through storytelling. This understanding is essential for addressing the systemic inequalities that exist in society and for promoting social justice and equality.

Finally, by centring the voices and experiences of marginalised communities, we can create a more equitable and representative literary tradition. This not only enriches our understanding of the world but also empowers individuals and communities to reclaim their narratives and cultural heritage.

Potential Areas for Future Research and Exploration

There are several potential areas for future research and exploration in the study of whiteness in literature. These include:

1. Intersectionality: Examining how whiteness intersects with other aspects of identity, such as gender, class, and sexuality, to create complex and multifaceted experiences of privilege and oppression.
2. Global Perspectives: Expanding the study of whiteness to include non-Western literary traditions and exploring how whiteness is constructed and challenged in different cultural contexts.
3. Contemporary Voices: Investigating the works of emerging authors who are addressing and deconstructing whiteness in innovative and impactful ways.
4. Literary Adaptations: Analysing how whiteness is portrayed and challenged in adaptations of literary works, such as films, television series, and theatre productions.
5. Educational Practices: Exploring how the study of whiteness in literature can be integrated into educational curricula to promote critical thinking and social awareness among students.
6. By continuing to examine and challenge whiteness in literature, we can contribute to a more just and inclusive society, where all voices are heard and valued.

As we continue to explore the rich and diverse landscape of literature, it is essential to critically examine the concept of whiteness and its impact on the narratives we consume. By challenging traditional perspectives and centring the voices of marginalised communities, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable literary tradition. We encourage you to delve deeper into the works discussed in this essay and to seek out new and diverse voices that offer fresh perspectives on race and identity. Together, we can create a literary world that truly reflects the richness of human experiences.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on the portrayal of whiteness in literature and recommend books that challenge traditional narratives. Follow us on social media for more insights and discussions on literature, culture, and social justice. Let us continue to explore and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our literary world.

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Sources

• Achebe, C. (1958). Things Fall Apart. Heinemann.
• Adichie, C. N. (2013). Americanah. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Brontë, C. (1847). Jane Eyre. Smith, Elder & Co.
• Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner’s Sons.
• Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co.
• Morrison, T. (1987). Beloved. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Orange, T. (2018). There There. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Roy, A. (1997). The God of Small Things. HarperCollins.
• Rushdie, S. (1981). Midnight’s Children. Jonathan Cape.
• Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. Balzer + Bray.
• Whitehead, C. (2016). The Underground Railroad. Doubleday.
• Gulf Coast Magazine. (n.d.). Whiteness as Literary Practice. Retrieved from https://gulfcoastmag.org/online/blog/whiteness-as-literary-practice/
• Kameron, R. M. (2017). The Whiteness of the White. Retrieved from https://uca.edu/cahss/files/2020/07/Kameron-R.-Morton-CLA-2017.pdf
• LitHub. (n.d.). On Whiteness and the Racial Imaginary. Retrieved from https://lithub.com/on-whiteness-and-the-racial-imaginary/
• LitHub. (n.d.). What Does It Look Like to Decenter Whiteness in Fiction?. Retrieved from https://lithub.com/what-does-it-look-like-to-decenter-whiteness-in-fiction/
• Morton, K. R. (2017). The Whiteness of the White. Retrieved from https://uca.edu/cahss/files/2020/07/Kameron-R.-Morton-CLA-2017.pdf
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• ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. (n.d.). Whiteness in Literature. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1034&context=english_facpub