African-American Criticism in Literary Theory - Lecture 21

Explore the evolution and key concepts of African-American literary criticism in this 54-minute lecture from Yale University's "Introduction to Theory of Literature" course. Delve into the historical context of African-American literature and criticism, examining its relationship with feminist theory. Analyze the challenges of essentialism, identity studies, and cultural appropriation through the works of influential figures like Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Toni Morrison. Investigate Morrison's interpretation of Huckleberry Finn and the tensions between African-American studies and New Criticism, referencing Robert Penn Warren's "Pondy Woods." Gain insights into the complexities of African-American identity, the role of critics within the community, and the ongoing debates surrounding expropriation in literary analysis.