Ann Petry: A Victim of Canonical Representation

Abstract

Afro-American literature has received an immense scholarly attention, especially from the times Toni Morrison received Noble Prize in literature. America has definitely proved “a melting-pot” of cultures, despite being a multi-cultural and multi-religious country. However, Afro-American 
literature throws entirely different light on the American history. It highlights the traumas of slavery, racism, sexism and classism. The current paper will apprise the readers about the AfroAmerican history and contribution of Afro-American fiction writers, especially Ann Petry who delineated the impact of racism, sexism and classism quite efficiently in her fictional world. 
Petry herself has been an unfortunate novelist, for she has been a victim of canonical representation. Toni Morrison and Alice Walker are considered to be the representative figures of Afro-American women’s fiction, but Ann Petry’s contribution is neglected for reasons unknown.  Key words: racism, sexism, classism, American Dream and double-consciousness etc.