M883 Literary Analysis Of The Mulatto.edited

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Running head: LITERARY ANALYSIS OF "THE MULATTO" 1

A Literary Analysis of "The Mulatto"

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LITERARY ANALYSIS OF "THE MULATTO" 2

A Literary Analysis of "The Mulatto"

Victor Sejour developed a fictional piece known as “The Mulatto” in 1837. The purpose

of the work was to empower the world and colonial rules on the predicament of slavery. This

literal piece is one of the earliest works created by an African American in an era where the race

was a crucial aspect of the society determining equality. Sejour presents a character known as

George to represent the theme of race. The slave narrative in this piece depicts the issue of race.

George is characterized as a free mulatto, but conflict arises since he continues to live as a slave

despite the status of his freedom. George battles with race identity because he is neither black

nor white. He questions his mother about his parentage and lineage but receives no response.

George did not get to know the identity of his father since his mother silenced his inquiries. In

one situation, her mother says, "hush George, the walls have ears, and someone will talk” (Daut,

pg. 15). Since George is categorized as a Mullato, it is expected he will not be enslaved.

However, this is not the case due to the racial conflict of his origin. Jack Sejour characterizes

George as a Mullato to indicate that race does not matter since he does not receive any prejudice

or class. Sejour also characterizes George with a vengeance since he ends up killing his father.

The genre of race is portrayed to indicate that any form of segregation destroys the social fabric.

One would assume that George would have an easy way since he is a mulatto. George takes his

father's life in vengeance for the slavery he has been subjected to together with his mother. His

master, Alfred, took advantage of a black woman because he felt superior due to race and gender

differences.

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Running head: LITERARY ANALYSIS OF "THE MULATTO" A Literary Analysis of "The Mulatto" Institution Affiliation Date 1 LITERARY ANALYSIS OF "THE MULATTO" 2 A Literary Analysis of "The Mulatto" Victor Sejour developed a fictional piece known as “The Mulatto” in 1837. The purpose of the work was to empower the world and colonial rules on the predicament of slavery. This literal piece is one of the earliest works created by an African American in an era where the race was a crucial aspect of the society determining equality. Sejour presents a character known as George to represent the theme of race. The slave narrative in this piece depicts the issue of race. George is characterized as a free mulatto, but conflict arises since he continues to live as a slave despite the status of his freedom. George battles with race identity because he is neither black nor white. He questions his m ...
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Tags: African American slave narrative fictional piece Victor Sejour colonial rules