Race

Race is arguably the most important theme in Ourika by Claire de Duras. Race drives much of the novel's plot as its focus is on Ourika's inner turmoil after discovering the racism of the society in which she lived. Much of the essays in the Introduction and the Foreword emphasize the significance of Duras' decision to write about a black woman particularly in regard to society's position on blacks and Duras' own status within society in France. Ourika was rescued from the bonds of slavery when she was two years old and raised by Mme. de B who treated her kindly, raising her like a daughter and educating her like a French aristocrat. Ourika did not regret being black because she did not realize that the color of her skin would be a disadvantage. This changed after an overheard conversation between Mme. de B and the marquise forced...