In search of elusive identities: a critical examination of Negro identities in James Weldon Johnson’s Ex Colored Man, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and Zora Nearle Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Abstract

The study focused on the construction of Negro identities in America as depicted in African American fiction. It explored and critically analysed the reasons to why Negro identities are complex and elusive in nature. The study looked at the challenges Negroes in post slavery America faced and how these challenges contributed in the construction of their identities. Among these challenges was racism and hatred towards African Americans by white America, moreover the contribution of slavery to these challenges. The study analysed both male and female Negro identities from the view point of male and female Negro writers so as to get an unbiased view. The study was carried out following the guidelines of the social identity theory which addresses the concerns of identity psychologically in relation to a social context. Conclusion was reached that although Negroes face numerous obstacles in the construction of their identities, they should continue the struggle to fight racism and be recognised as citizens of America.