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This article seeks to explore the possibilities of considering science fiction as a way to enliven African American literary studies. I adapt the term "uncanny" as an alternate way of describing black women characters in science fiction. In order to create a gateway for science fiction to be incorporated into classroom discussions about black women characters in literature, there has to be a part of departure. I argue that Octavia Butler repurposes what is normally associated with representations of black women characters by presenting protagonists who defy conventional societal expectations of black women. Butler's lead characters are healers whose superhuman capabilities represent distinctive contractions of female heroism.
| Advisor: | Rambsy, Howard |
| Commitee: | Anderson, Jill, Ramaswamy, Anushiya |
| School: | Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville |
| Department: | English Language and Literature |
| School Location: | United States -- Illinois |
| Source: | MAI 53/02M(E), Masters Abstracts International |
| Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
| Subjects: | African American Studies, American literature |
| Keywords: | Butler, Octavia E., Healers, Patternist series, Strong black women, Uncanny |
| Publication Number: | 1560047 |
| ISBN: | 978-1-321-01212-5 |
