Black Women's Selfhood in Alice Walker's Possessing the Secret of Joy

Abstract

This article examines how contemporary African American women’s novels challenge stereotypical representations of Black womanhood. It argues that images such as Jezebel, Mammy, and Sapphire have historically shaped perceptions of Black women under white supremacist ideology. Through the analysis of selected novels, the study demonstrates how these stereotypes are contested and redefined. It highlights themes of racial oppression, gender inequality, and personal transformation, emphasizing the role of self-discovery and resistance. The article shows how these writers contribute to a distinct literary tradition that reclaims and empowers Black female identity.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)