Unknown Identity and the Delusion of Freedom in Edward P. Jones’s The Known World

Abstract

The thesis titled “Unknown Identity and the Delusion of Freedom in Edward P Jones’s The Known World” examines the social, psychological as well as physiological impacts of the system of slavery on the people living in the fictional Manchester county during the Antebellum era. Through the exploration of the character’s psychological aspects like inferiority, identity crisis and alienation, the thesis makes use of Frantz Fanon’s notions in Black Skin White Masks. This work highlights the social as well psychological consequences of the hegemonic systems such as slavery and colonialism. Having examined the novel, this study explores the delusion the characters are living in with regards to their identity, power and freedom. Fanon delves into the neurosis that pervades the psyche of black people because of the difference they face with regards to their skin colour. He argues that living under such conditions creates a mental condition among the black folk whose consequences include alienation. Additionally, the perceived difference between the two races in racist communities could lead to an inferiority complex among the black people. Drawing upon Fanon’s ideas, the thesis attempts to elaborate the impact of deep rooted racial discrimination prevalent during the Antebellum era and the influence it had on the subjects of discrimination. Despite the fact that the thesis and its study is based on the antebellum period described in The Known World, the issue is still relevant in various forms. Key Words: slavery, identity, alienation, inferiority complex, psychology