Manhood is a pervasive theme. In the first scene between father and son after Brownfield's release from prison, Grange articulates a definition of manhood that stresses responsibility for one's actions.
Grange regrets that he had attempted to assert his manliness by using Josie and abandoning his wife. In his third life, Grange redefines manliness in terms of devotion to wife and children and a commitment to fulfilling one's family responsibilities in spite of racial oppression. He articulates the main theme of the novel: the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. But the racist context of the novel exposes this solution as oversimplified. At key points Walker reminds us that white racists control institutions and prevent African-Ameri cans from enjoying power or privilege and that whites take no responsibility for their unjust behavior. Therefore, no.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 703 words. This
Short Guide contains 6,705 words (approx. 22 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Short Guide with our The Third Life of Grange Copeland Access Pass.
