PATTERNS OF RESISTANCE IN SELECTED NOVELS BY ALICE WALKER

Abstract

This dissertation undertakes to study the patterns of resistance in four navels by the African-American navelist Alice Walker. In the navels, Walker focuses on the characters' insistence on their traditions as a way to develop a selfstrong enough. to resist and conquer the insurmountable obstacles in a racist society. Chapter I pravides an averview of Alice Walker and the influence of her literary foremothers on her works. Besides, the chapter presents the definition _ of the terms 'resistance', 'resistance writer' and 'resistance narrative. ' It shows how Walker as a resistance writer and .. a champion of social justice, wrote with passion and great enthusiasm against the oppression, racism • and inequity that are prevalent in• the white• society. Chapters II through five consider each of the four navels individually. Walker praves that the most appropriate pattern of resistance for African-Americans is the cultural pattern, which is . manifested through different forms of resistance. The conclusion• points out the common features of the four fictional works. It insists on the spirit of resistance, .-which characterizes the majority of Walker's characters who act as models• of resistance and strive to maintain their sense of identi_ty and dignity through their own culture.