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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper examines the protagonist in this novel that explores racial identity issues. Clare is viewed as only being partially successful in her endeavor to find herself. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA543Cl.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
She is not successful in that endeavor, at least not fully. The reason why she is not completely able to forge a new identity, and understand her roots in a
new environment is due to the fact that her focus is too narrow. Her obsession leads her down erroneous paths and makes any discoveries somewhat muddled. Of course, Clares interest
in her roots and her heritage is normal. Today, many people do enjoy tracing their roots as a hobby, but too much focus can lead to a loss in who
one is completely. Clare is more than her heredity. She is more than her race. As a mulatto woman, there is of course some confusion. Indeed, her obsession with her
identity and with race in general only leads to more confusion. There are points throughout the work where the idea of roots are emphasized. In fact, throughout the novel, there
is a sense of identity. In one part of the work, that is not very significant, Cliff writes: "Henrietta and Archie talked all day and all night of family. Of
the history of family. Of the need for roots and the knowledge of where you came from" (42). There is a sense that Clare is searching and there are reminders
along the way that this is a good thing. That said, there are also ideas to denote the fact that Clare strives too hard. She is immersed too much in
the quest. A look at a critical synopsis of the works theme is somewhat helpful. Marsh-Lockett and West write: " While the fictional Clare experiences geographical and national displacement as
she leaves Jamaica, Toland-Dix points out that, even prior to her physical dislocation, Clare has suffered alienation from her maternal African roots-particularly when she was banished by her grandmother..." (1).
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