Symbolizing the Past
Reading Sankofa, Daughters of the Dust, & Eve's Bayou as Histories
Published on 26. July 2000
Book
Hardback
112 pages
978-0-7618-1727-7 (ISBN)
Description
Examples of constructing history through film, the three fictional narratives which are the focus of Sandra Grayson's study provide insight into how the role of the African American woman has been overlooked to the point of suppression. The women in these works are presented as warriors, educators, healers, seers, oral historians, as well as mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives. Through research into archival materials and study of the symbols encoded in the films themselves, Symbolizing the Past reveals the gap between the reality of black mythic history and its representation.
Reviews / Votes
Symbolizing the Past is a major contribution to a better understanding of our past and future. -- James Jennings, Prof. & Senior Fellow, University of Massachusetts Boston Grayson's 'Symbolizing the Past' is an important contribution to African American studies, black cultural studies, and women's studies. . . . she challenges contemporary scholars of African American studies to go beyond a generic Africa in their work, to contend with the diverse and distinct cultures of 'The Continent.' * American Literature * Dr. Grayson's masterpiece of criticism is powerful and lyrically beautiful. Symbolizing the Past compels us to assume greater individual social responsibility and to work toward human transcendence. -- Leonard A. Slade, Jr., Prof. of Africana Studies & English, SUNY AlbanyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
278 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7618-1727-7 (9780761817277)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Sandra M. Grayson is Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Content
Chapter 1 Foreword
Chapter 2 Preface
Chapter 3 Images Past/Signs Transformed
Chapter 4 History, Memory, & the African American Oral Tradition
Chapter 5 Asante Icons in Sankofa
Chapter 6 Orisha & Codes in Daughters of the Dust
Chapter 7 Mirroring Narrative/Reflecting Past: Eve's Bayou, Tradition, Preservation
Chapter 8 Looking Back with Scholarly Eyes
Chapter 9 Conclusion
Chapter 2 Preface
Chapter 3 Images Past/Signs Transformed
Chapter 4 History, Memory, & the African American Oral Tradition
Chapter 5 Asante Icons in Sankofa
Chapter 6 Orisha & Codes in Daughters of the Dust
Chapter 7 Mirroring Narrative/Reflecting Past: Eve's Bayou, Tradition, Preservation
Chapter 8 Looking Back with Scholarly Eyes
Chapter 9 Conclusion