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Double Consciousness as Critical Reading: The Book Club Scene in Chester Himes' If He Hollers

Panel: 
American Literature after 1865 II: Post-1945
Abstract: 

I discuss critical reading practices in Chester Himes’ If He Hollers (1945) through the lens of Du Bois’s double consciousness. To ensure survival, Himes’ characters read both protest novels and white culture, and perform racial roles (or refuse to).

Presenter Information
First Name: 
Kimberly S.
Last Name: 
Drake
Institution: 
Scripps College