Race

Meridian is a novel about the African-American experience, but it also looks beyond that into other issues of race and discrimination. Meridian's father is concerned with the disappearance of Native American cultures from the Americas. The experience of Native Americas is a parallel to the slavery and oppression of blacks. However, few people can look outside of their own experience and see the parallel. Meridian's father reflects the narrow view that refuses to see a larger picture of justice.

Meridian sees that racial hatred leads to terror and abuse. She experiences brutal treatment at civil rights rallies. The response to oppression and abuse is violence, but Meridian sees danger in embracing violence. It is one of the fundamental ambivalences of her nature.

Lynne represents the dangers of racial divisions. Lynne is a white woman, but she chooses to live in a black community and marries a black man...