Everything after this post is for African-American Lit

Dr. Nolan's Role in the Bell Jar

Dr. Nolan's empathy, relatability, and supportiveness set her apart from other characters in The Bell Jar , contributing to her role as one of the most influential figures in Esther's recovery. While Esther is drowning in uncertainty and doubt, Dr. Nolan is the only character she completely trusts, acting as a role model and mother figure to her. From the beginning of their relationship, Esther recognizes something unique about Dr. Nolan and values her presence. She notes how Dr. Nolan is "a cross between Myrna Loy and [her] mother". This sense of motherly authority combined with the relatability of a younger person makes Dr. Nolan easier for Esther to respect, understand, and trust. In addition, Dr. Nolan's identity as a professional woman makes her a role model for Esther. In this regard, she's almost the exact opposite of Esther's mother. Mrs. Greenwood reinforces the sexual double standard and encourages her daughter to conform, while Dr. Nolan challen...

Authority in Invisible Man

Despite Brockway and Bledsoe's stark surface-level differences in Invisible Man , they share many deeper qualities that affect the narrator in similar ways . Bledsoe's expelling the narrator the way he did was a complete shock to the narrator's prior perception of him as an authority, and Brockway completely undermines the narrator's perspective of what an authority figure should look like. In these regards, both Bledsoe and Brockway contribute to major developments in the narrator's critical consciousness, values, and assumptions. Brockway is the exact opposite of anything the narrator has known or expects from an authority figure. From the narrator's view, Bledsoe is the quintessential embodiment of an authority figure—respectful and humble while still maintaining an unquestionable air of power surrounding him. Even when his "mask" of humility is lifted upon becoming angry with the narrator, the narrator still respects him for how he plays th...

Hugo vs. Holly

Hugo and Holly Deblin are two of the characters in Black Swan Green who seem like they couldn't be more different, but both help shape Jason into who he becomes by the end of the novel. Despite their clearly contrasting personalities, Hugo and Holly also have similarities underlying their differences that help Jason figure out what type of person he wants to be. The most obvious similarity I noticed between Hugo and Holly is that they both seem eager to act as "mentors" to Jason and give him advice on growing up. Hugo and Holly both appear at points in the novel where Jason seems particularly insecure about himself, and both jump in to help. Beyond that, however, the similarities between Hugo and Holly largely end. Hugo and Holly both enter Jason's situation as friends but Hugo does so with selfish purposes in mind, whereas Holly is genuinely curious and concerned for Jason's well-being amidst getting bullied. These intentions are evident ...

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