Slavery in Alex Haley's Roots and Toni Morrison's Beloved

Abstract

This bachelor work deals with a significant part of American history. It analyzes slavery as it is seen in novels of two African American writers who felt a need to express to the story of their ancestors. First part of this work briefly discusses slavery from a historical point of view including first talented black authors and after that a digest of African American literature ensues. The body of the work consists in the analysis of selected novels that is divided into three following parts – life of slaves, attitude of slave owners and interpersonal relationships. Each chapter covers with feelings and thoughts of people held in bondage and with their psyche weakened by the institution of slavery. Final part concerns a literary style of both authors and the importance of selected works.