She Come By It Natural: A Literary Exploration of Race, Gender, and Identity

In the tapestry of American literature, She Come By It Natural stands as a resonant and evocative novel that delves into the intricate interplay of race, gender, and identity.

Published in 1983, the novel, penned by acclaimed African-American author Dori Sanders, weaves a poignant narrative that interrogates the complexities of family dynamics, coming-of-age, and the enduring legacies of history.

She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs

by Sarah Smarsh

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2079 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	205 pages

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Race and Identity

Race serves as a pivotal thread throughout She Come By It Natural. Set in the rural South, the novel explores the pervasive racial tensions that have shaped the lives of its characters.

The protagonist, Jude, is a young African-American woman grappling with her racial identity amidst a world that often marginalizes and devalues her experiences. Through her journey, Sanders exposes the insidious nature of racism and the psychological toll it takes on its victims.

Jude's struggle for self-acceptance is further complicated by her family's ambiguous racial heritage. Her mother, Alice, is light-skinned and has passed as white, while her father, Henry, is dark-skinned and identifies as black.

This familial divide reflects the complex realities of racial identity in America, where categories are often fluid and the boundaries between races can be blurred.

Gender and Power

Gender also emerges as a central theme in the novel. Jude's coming-of-age coincides with the rise of second-wave feminism, and Sanders explores the ways in which women's roles and expectations are challenged during this transformative period.

Jude's feminist awakening is intertwined with her struggles against racial oppression. She recognizes the intersections between these forms of discrimination and the ways in which they reinforce each other.

The novel also examines the power dynamics within families and communities, particularly the complex relationship between women.

Family and Legacy

She Come By It Natural delves deeply into the complexities of family relationships. Jude's extended family embodies the myriad ways in which history, trauma, and resilience shape the lives of individuals.

Through the interweaving narratives of Jude, her mother, and her grandmother, Sanders explores the transmission of trauma across generations and the ways in which family secrets can both haunt and empower.

The novel also examines the theme of legacy, both in the personal and collective sense. Jude's ancestors have left a profound mark on her life, and she must grapple with the weight of their experiences and the path she will forge for herself.

Southern Gothic Elements

She Come By It Natural is imbued with elements of Southern Gothic literature, a genre known for its exploration of dark and disturbing themes.

The novel's setting in the rural South contributes to its eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The characters are haunted by ghosts, both literal and metaphorical, and the landscape itself seems to harbor secrets and hidden horrors.

Sanders uses these Gothic elements to heighten the emotional impact of her narrative and to explore the psychological complexities of her characters.

Literary Significance

She Come By It Natural has been recognized as a landmark work in African-American literature. It is praised for its unflinching portrayal of race and gender, its nuanced characters, and its powerful exploration of the complexities of identity.

The novel has received numerous accolades, including the American Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. It has been widely studied in schools and universities and has inspired generations of readers.

She Come By It Natural is a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its exploration of race, gender, and identity, the novel offers a深刻的反思 on the enduring complexities of American society.

With its vivid prose, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes, She Come By It Natural remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that challenges its readers to grapple with the complexities of human experience.

She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs

by Sarah Smarsh

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2079 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	205 pages

FREE