Downhome: Origins of the Afro-American Short Story

Examines the evolution of Afro-American short fiction by focusing on the historical influence of slavery and racism from 1885 to 1920 and the Harlem Renaissance from 1920 to 1935. Specifically examines the influence of black abolitionists, plantation schools, and local-color schools, oral traditions and folktales, and pastoral literature. Includes analysis of works from Paul Dunbar, Charles Chesnutt, Eric Walrond, Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, and Arna Bontemps.