Womanism, Motherhood and Matrilineality in the Novels “Mama” and “Getting to Happy” by Terry McMillan Cover Image

Vomanizam, materinstvo i matrilinearnost u romanima „Mama” i „Prilika za sreću” Teri Makmilan
Womanism, Motherhood and Matrilineality in the Novels “Mama” and “Getting to Happy” by Terry McMillan

Author(s): Sandra V. Novkinić, Damir Arsenijević
Subject(s): Studies of Literature, Novel, Theory of Literature, American Literature
Published by: Филолошки факултет Универзитета у Бањој Луци
Keywords: womanism; motherhood; matrilineality; African-American literature;

Summary/Abstract: In this work, the novels Mama and Getting to Happy are read and analysed from the perspective of womanism that emphasises motherhood and matrilineality as the basis of social transformation. Womanism advocates different methods of social transformation that are focused on harmonisation and coordination, bringing into balance and treating society from all negativities expressed through various forms of domination (race over races, gender over gender, classes above classes, nations over nations) and discrimination (of all those who do not fit into default frames). And the most prominent method used by womanism for the purpose of transforming society is motherhood and matrilineality that has roots in African cultural heritage. The idea of womanism is embodied in the works of African-American writer Terry McMillan through the presentation of a specific experience of matrilineality and motherhood, whose transformational effect does not retain solely on the main heroes, but is also transmitted to their surroundings. Through the dynamic picture of African-American motherhood as an exclusive female experience, often instrumented by the community for critical purposes, this writer, in her literary works, monitors changes that are incorporated into the life of an African-American family throughout time.

  • Issue Year: 2017
  • Issue No: 16
  • Page Range: 246-260
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Serbian