Female Writers Unveil America's History Through Unique Perspectives - Research Paper

Introduction

America has many female authors who have developed very many works for multiple audiences over time. That has been effective, based on the topics that they have been writing about over time. Political issues to economics and other issues that affect people daily. They have a great history, where some of them developed from writing some topics and changed to others so that they highlight various aspects and interests that are present in society from one time to another. In most cases, the black female authors highlighted the inequality that was resent in society. That was meant to highlight important issues in the community so that changes could be made. One of the most important aspects that they focused on was the issue of inequality in society (Isenberg 1). That was because resources were not evenly distributed across the various races. That harms the development of some people because they came from a particular background, which was considered as being disadvantaged. Feminism was the other issue that the black female authors highlighted (Pattnaik et al., 66). That was because the male-dominated society and the women took a back seat in most pressing issues. For example, women were considered inferior in politics, their careers, and their social lives.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

One of the most prominent female authors was Tonni Morrison, who was an American novelist, college professor, editor, and essayist. He was born in 1931 at Lorain, Ohio, and died in 2019 at the age of 88, after contributing significantly to society through the various works under her name. Throughout her life, she had a positive effect on society in different ways, based on her being an author. Through being a college professor, she passed on knowledge to multiple students. She encouraged them to use their abilities and education to communicate numerous issues. That would have a positive effect on the welfare of society. That is because she was instituting different programs through her literary works, which had a positive impact over time. That is reflected by her career, filled by multiple achievements highlighted through awards won. She started her career as an author writing, but over time, she grew into an editor, a lecturer, and a mentor of other writers. That is what makes her one of the most influential figures in American literature, among black female authors over time.

Her career and history as an author were shaped by her education, starting in 1949. She joined Howard University so that she could be in the company of other black intellectuals. With that company, she was exposed to a wide variety of ideas and skills, which formed the basis of her career in writing. Furthermore, at the University, the environment inspired her to write; so that she could address the issues she witnessed in society. There was discrimination at the University, against the black people, which was unpleasant because she was one of them. Thus, she saw the need to change that, which could be done by expressing her ideas to others (Morrison 3). That would only be done in writing because she had gained adequate skills she had learned from learning, and the black intellectuals she had interacted with earlier. That was great as it was enough inspiration for her to start her career because she had all she needed at that time. Later in 1953, she graduated and enrolled at Cornell University for a Master of Arts, which was a basis for a better career. Then, after her studies, she began teaching, which was the start of her history as an author.

In 19676, she began working in New York at Random House; in the capacity of an editor in the fiction department. She was the first black woman to serve in that capacity, which was such a great achievement for her at that time. It exposed her to a great deal of expertise, which she would later use in her career as an author. At this point, it is evident that she had been exposed to various factors that would be instrumental in her writing and editing on her own. In that way, she would significantly contribute to black women's literature, which was her goal for a long time. As she worked as an editor at Random House, she was responsible for the production of black American literature into the mainstream media. That was because it advanced the ideas and interests that she had over time. For example, they highlighted issues with equality and women's rights, which were aspects of the society that needed to be addressed (Isenberg 4). The black community had been a victim of the discrimination that was being practiced at that time. Thus, by producing more literature, it would effectively address the issues. For example, through her efforts, the book- Contemporary African Literature was created, which has so much positive effect.

It was until 1970 when her career took off; when she began writing, fiction for a start, based on the experience and expertise she had gained over time. That was based on the writings she had started earlier when at Howard University. One of the first works that she developed was the book- The Bluest Eye. It was based on a character that wanted to change the color of her eyes (Pattnaik et al., 62). That was because of the inequality that was prevalent at that time. She wanted to change her identity so that she could not face the discrimination that was being practiced at that time. Because of her dream of becoming an author, she put much effort into developing the book, like waking up as early as 4 in the morning. Finally, the book was produced in 1970, which was then successfully reviewed by The New York Times. The novel was praised because of the style of writing that was used by the author, Toni Morrison. That was a significant breakthrough; because it showed she was capable of writing great content. The book was put on the list of black studies by some institutions of higher learning. That highlighted how effectively t addressed the interests of the black Americans at that time. The other positive effect that the book had was introducing Toni Morrison to Robert Gottlieb, who would then become the editor to most of her works. From that time, it was evident that she was bound to become a great writer and significantly contribute to the literature that addressed black and women issues in society.

Later, she wrote a novel, Sula, in 1973, which was based on a friendship that was between two black women. The major themes in the book are motherhood and doubleness, among women in the society. It addressed some of the significant concerns among black women, as they were becoming feminists so that they could solve the gender inequalities in society. That was an evolution of Toni Morrison's writing, from fiction earlier, to the real issues that the women were facing in the community (Isenberg 6). That was a sign of growth, and she achieved to address one of the major issues in society at that time. That shows an evolution of her literary art, which grew to address the divisions and other issues in the community. Because of her writing style and concerns addressed adequately, the book won The National Book Award, highlighting her proficiency. Later in 1977, she produced her third book, Song of Solomon, which through the valuable nature and lessons of the black experience in the society. The principal character was a man, which highlighted the skills he had. That is also a sign of the evolution of the literary works by Toni Morrison. Although she was a feminist, she sought to address issues in society through a male character (Matus 72. The book was received by much praise and won National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. That showed the effectiveness of her writing and addressing the real issues that were affecting the black society at large.

Later in 1981, she had another novel, Tar Baby, which was characterized by a contemporary setting. It was based on the love between a black American man and a lady; who had lived from different perspectives. The lady was from a wealthy background, and the man was from a miserable experience. The novel highlighted the struggles that people face as a result of the differences that exist among us in society. However, with adequate effort amongst people, the divisions can be sorted out, and people live as one. However, although the differences were majorly common among the different races, they also existed among people of the same race. However, the differences can be disregarded, and people live as one. The novel highlighted the challenges that people face in modern society (Isenberg 8). That is, whereby the resources available are unevenly distributed. That has led to divisions in society, along with social status perspectives. The major divisions earlier were as a result of racial differences. However, in modern society, the differences are within people that were earlier considered as one and inseparable.

The book, just like the previous publications, was a success. That was because of the writing style and the issues that were addressed. People could relate to the problems and appreciate the message that was being advanced. The novel addressed the realism that most black people find themselves in today. There were more barriers to the free association than before, majorly because of capitalism. Furthermore, there was the theme of women and race, where they faced an obstacle within their race, as much as other races. The novel advanced the message of doing away with the differences in our lives and engaged in activities that are meant to promote unity. The message in the book was a change from the previous publications under her name. That is because it addressed the modern nature of society and the problems that people face. It was different from the others, which were aimed at addressing the racial discrimination and inferiority associated with women. Through the novel, it showed that the message she was passing across was evolving. It was changing with time, because society was becoming different, and facing totally new challenges as a result.

In 1983, she abandoned publishing so that she could have more time for writing. That was because she wanted to have more of her ideas brought to light. That was owing to the extensive experience and expertise she had gained over time. Moreover, she devoted much of her time to teaching in University. That was because she had the aim of teaching mire people about writing techniques so that they would have a positive impact on the world of literature. She became a mentor and shared the knowledge she had with the students so that they were capable of expressing themselves through writing, just like she was doing. That was a great achievement, and she rose through the ranks and became the chair of the department at University at Albany, Suny. In 1987, she published one of the most famous works she is associated with, a novel entitled Beloved. It was about an enslaved woman, black. It highlighted the suffering the woman faced, which led to her suicide (Pattnaik et al., 64). It highlighted the plight of slaves; and the misery it leads to. It won multiple accolades; because of the plot and themes communicated through the storyline.

Through the various works by Toni Morrison, it is seen that there is her history as a black woman being highlighted. There were multiple issues such as inequality within the race, between the male and female gender, and the disparity between the various races. She advocated for equality through her style of writing, which was loved by many (Isenberg 3). In her writing, there was an evolution of the significant ideas that she communicated. From the initial theme of racial inequalities, she evolves and describes contemporary causes of division among people in society. That is irrespective of the race or social class that the people be...