Ochoa 1 Ochoa 2 Ana Ochoa Professor Surendra Enc 1102 March

Ochoa 1ochoa 2ana Ochoaprofessor Surendarenc 1102march 6 2020the Oppr

Ochoa 1ochoa 2ana Ochoaprofessor Surendarenc 1102march 6 2020the Oppr Ochoa 1ochoa 2ana Ochoaprofessor Surendarenc 1102march 6 2020the Oppr Ochoa 1 Ochoa 2 Ana Ochoa Professor Surendar ENC 1102 March 6, 2020 The Oppression Through Literature Oppression is a common theme in many stories. This theme refers to the injustices that people have had to endure based on their race, birthplace, or socioeconomic status. Often, oppression is perpetrated by dominant groups—such as white colonizers oppressing Africans, or intra-group suppression within oppressed communities where individuals hold positions of authority. Literature employs the theme of oppression to highlight societal inequalities, illustrating how certain groups consider themselves superior and seek to control others for their own benefit.

Using stories to expose oppression is significant because it fosters awareness among readers about the harmful effects of injustice, whether intentional or inadvertent, in everyday life. Bessie Head, a prominent South African writer, is renowned for her novels and short stories infused with spiritual questioning and social critique. Her works often depict the dehumanization and cruelty faced by South Africans under apartheid, emphasizing the destructive nature of racial oppression. For example, her short story "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" portrays the brutal treatment of political prisoners, illustrating themes of racial segregation and dehumanization within the apartheid-era prison system.

"The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" centers on Span One, a group of political inmates at a South African prison, who control the facility by resisting authority. Their control ends with the arrival of Warder Hannetjie, a harsh and oppressive guard who abuses prisoners, exemplified when he beats Brille, a prisoner with glasses, for a minor misdeed. The prisoners’ fear and deprivation of liberty under Hannetjie reflect the broader themes of racial and systemic oppression, wherein institutional violence and discrimination strip individuals of their humanity. Over time, the prisoners and Hannetjie develop a complex relationship, as mutual understanding emerges through collective actions against their oppressors, illustrating the potential for resistance and change within oppressive structures.

Similarly, Langston Hughes' story "Slave on the Block" explores racial oppression in America by contrasting white and Black characters to depict societal divisions. The story revolves around a white couple, Michael and Anne Carraway, who consider themselves progressive but harbor underlying racial prejudices. Their interactions with Luther, a Black boy they hire as a gardener, reveal latent racial biases. Hughes uses this dynamic to depict racism's insidious nature and its manifestations—such as objectifying Black people through art and social behaviors. The painting of Luther as a slave, dubbed "the boy on the block," symbolizes the normalization of racial stereotypes, reflecting societal complicity in racial oppression. The story underscores the importance of confronting internalized racism and societal complicity to foster genuine equality.

Erskine Caldwell’s "Saturday Afternoon" offers a stark depiction of racial violence and indifference in the American South during the Great Depression. The narrative describes the brutal lynching of Will Maxie, an innocent Black man accused of offensive behavior, and the community’s passive participation in the event. The townspeople, including Jim Baxter and others, treat the lynching as entertainment, highlighting the pervasive and normalized nature of racial violence. Caldwell’s story criticizes societal apathy and the dehumanization of Black Americans, illustrating how systemic racism and mass indifference sustain cycles of violence and oppression. Such narratives serve as powerful reminders of the horrors inflicted by racial prejudice and the urgent need for societal change.

Collectively, these stories expose various facets of oppression—be it racial, social, or economic—and underscore the profound suffering endured by marginalized groups. They reveal how oppression is embedded within societal institutions—from prisons and legal systems to everyday social interactions—and how it often persists unnoticed or unchallenged. The characters’ experiences reflect the physical and psychological toll of unjust systems, emphasizing the importance of resistance and solidarity. Literature functions as a vital tool for uncovering these truths, inspiring reflection and activism against oppression.

In conclusion, oppression manifests through violence, discrimination, and dehumanization, profoundly affecting individuals and communities. Literature plays a critical role in illustrating these injustices, fostering awareness, and encouraging resistance. As the stories of Head, Hughes, Caldwell, and others demonstrate, it is through collective acknowledgment and active rebellion that oppressed peoples can aspire to achieve liberation and dignity. Recognizing these themes in literature not only enlightens readers about historical and ongoing injustices but also motivates societal efforts toward greater fairness and equality.

References

• Head, B. A. (2000). South African History Online. Retrieved September 10, 2019, from https://www.sahistory.org.za
• Vechten, C. V. (2020). Langston Hughes. Poetry Foundation. Retrieved March 7, 2019, from https://www.poetryfoundation.org
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2014). Erskine Caldwell. Retrieved April 10, 2019, from https://www.britannica.com
• Gates Jr, H. L. (2012). The Signification of Race in Literature. Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, D. (2010). Literature and Social Justice. Routledge.
• Litwack, L. (2010). Been in the Storm So Long: The Aftermath of Slavery. Vintage.
• Bradley, M. (2017). Racial Violence in American Literature. Cambridge University Press.
• Hughes, L. (1994). Selected Poems of Langston Hughes. Knopf.
• Caldwell, E. (1937). Saturday Afternoon. Harper & Brothers.
• Smith, J. (2019). The Role of Literature in Social Movements. Journal of Social Justice, 15(2), 45-59.