NEMLA
The Northeast Modern Language Association
2002 Convention, Toronto, Canada
April 12-13, 2002
Images of Women in the Fiction of Charles W. Chesnutt
As the "pioneer of the color line," Charles W. Chesnutt's fiction is a
realistic examination of the social and racial discord affecting American
society during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Chesnutt uses
his fiction as a means of raising the American consciousness toward race to
a new, enlightened level. Although much of Chesnutt's literature reflects
upon the mulatto's plight and the racial discord undermining American
society, how does Chesnutt deal with issues of gender and race in his
fiction?
This panel seeks papers that discuss the images of women (black, white, and
biracial) in the fiction of Charles W. Chesnutt. For instance, is
Chesnutt's depiction of notable female characters such as Liza Jane from
"The Wife of His Youth," Annie from _The Conjure Woman_ stories, or Mandy
Oxendine of the title novel stereotypical images of black, white, and
biracial women? Or does Chesnutt present a significant revisionist
portrayal of women? What exactly is Chesnutt's stance on issues of gender
and race? What societal, personal, or professional factors may have
influenced Chesnutt's presentation of women characters, given his
determination to pursue a successful, profitable writing career? Papers
that deal with Chesnutt's portrayal of women in his short fiction and
novels, particularly _Mandy Oxendine_, _Paul Marchand, F.M.C._, and _The
Quarry_, are especially welcomed.
All presentations will be 15-20 minutes in length. All accepted panelists
must be members of NEMLA by March 1, 2002. Please send a cover letter, a
one-page abstract, and any requests for audio/visual equipment by September
15, 2001. All accepted panelists will be notified by October 1, 2001.
Please send materials to:
Larnell Dunkley Jr.
Department of English Language and Literature
Benedictine University
5700 College Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
Phone: (630) 829-6288
Fax: (630) 960-4805
Or via email (as a message, not as an attachment) to Ldunkley@Ben.edu
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From the Literary Calls for Papers Mailing List
CFP@english.upenn.edu
Full Information at
http://www.english.upenn.edu/CFP/
or write Erika Lin: elin@english.upenn.edu
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