The Harlem Renaissance, also known as the “New Negro Movement” was a time of intellectual, artistic and social outbreak that occurred in Harlem, New York during the 1920s. Many African-American authors, poets, musicians, and artist emerged. Recognized figures such as, Langston Hughes and Claude McKay wrote progressive literature. On the contrary, Jessie Fauset wrote literature focused on middle-class blacks, race relations, and the similarities between Blacks and Whites (Christian 9). Many female writers like, Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, And Jessie Fauset wrote literature that fought defied the typical stereotypes of Black women. They wanted to create a substitute character that “completed” Black women entirely (McDowell). The Harlem
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All around places such as, New York, Paris, Chicago and various cities, African-American women were grabbing hold of the opportunities that lay before them. In some cities the Black population exploded. Black women were now able to advance in politics, education, art, etc., (Treva 1). In Fauset’s novel, Plum Bun, the story’s protagonist Angela lives in Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia Angela pursues a higher education. Although she has an advantage because of her fair skin, she becomes disadvantaged when her “true” identity becomes known, but she continues to strive for a higher education (Fauset 63). African American women did not have much versatility when it came to employment. Even those with a thorough education had two options, teaching or marriage (Treva 1). In the novel Fauset explores this conflict, having Angela become an instructor and desperately pursue marriage. When discussing their children’s future Angela’s father, Junius said, “No, we’ll give them a good, plain education and set them in the way of earning a sure and honest living; then if they’ve got it in them to travel over all the rocks that’ll be in their way as coloured girls, they’ll manage to never fear” (Fauset 55). Women of color were among the 45% working class, although employers discriminated against them, they still worked hard to support themselves and their families (Benner 1). There was not much hope that ‘colored’ girls could prosper in many fields, accordingly Angela’s parents made up in their minds what their children would be“school teachers and independent” (Fauset 33). Fauset challenges these old views by having the main character work towards becoming a well-known artist in New York and later Paris. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of artistic progression and racial confusion for many African
All around places such as, New York, Paris, Chicago and various cities, African-American women were grabbing hold of the opportunities that lay before them. In some cities the Black population exploded. Black women were now able to advance in politics, education, art, etc., (Treva 1). In Fauset’s novel, Plum Bun, the story’s protagonist Angela lives in Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia Angela pursues a higher education. Although she has an advantage because of her fair skin, she becomes disadvantaged when her “true” identity becomes known, but she continues to strive for a higher education (Fauset 63). African American women did not have much versatility when it came to employment. Even those with a thorough education had two options, teaching or marriage (Treva 1). In the novel Fauset explores this conflict, having Angela become an instructor and desperately pursue marriage. When discussing their children’s future Angela’s father, Junius said, “No, we’ll give them a good, plain education and set them in the way of earning a sure and honest living; then if they’ve got it in them to travel over all the rocks that’ll be in their way as coloured girls, they’ll manage to never fear” (Fauset 55). Women of color were among the 45% working class, although employers discriminated against them, they still worked hard to support themselves and their families (Benner 1). There was not much hope that ‘colored’ girls could prosper in many fields, accordingly Angela’s parents made up in their minds what their children would be“school teachers and independent” (Fauset 33). Fauset challenges these old views by having the main character work towards becoming a well-known artist in New York and later Paris. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of artistic progression and racial confusion for many African