Beyond the Text: New Historicist Echoes and Discourse on Meridian by Alice Walker

Abstract

This research paper examines Alice Walker’s novel Meridian through the lens of New Historicism. It explores on how the novel reflects the social and political context of the Civil Rights movement and the second wave feminism in the United States during 1960s and 70s. This analysis focuses on how Walker portrays the triumphs and struggles of the movement particularly on the racial inequality and gender issues. It also examines how the character of Meridian is shaped after the second wave feminism. Furthermore, it emphasis on power dynamics and marginalized voices. It analyses how Walker challenges dominant narratives about race, gender, and class within the Civil Rights movement by giving voice to the marginalized characters. It also critiques on the media portrayals of the movement through Walker’s narratives. It examines how historical figures, events, music, and literature of the era influenced Walker’s writing.