Homegoing, written by Yaa Gyasi, depicts the experience of identity confusion of several members of an African family due to what scholars have called “double consciousness.”
The novel follows the story of seven generations of a family who struggle with their lives as people of color even in their birthplace, the Gold Coast Of Africa, and outside of their homeland, America.
Double Consciousness In Homegoing
Due to colonization, Gyasi emphasizes the sufferings of African and African-American characters in her novel. Other than physical pains, one of the effects of colonization they have to endure is an internal conflict within themselves. This is affected by the way the characters have seen themselves through the perspectives of the British colonizers or the oppressors. In other words, colonizers have been defining what and who the native people are.
This experience leads to confusion about their African identity. It alludes to the concept of double consciousness, a term coined by W.E.B Du Bois.
Formation of new identities
Gyasi’s portrayal of these generations of colonized and later freed Africans reveals the side effects of double consciousness. And, leading to the loss of one’s identity. The effects of identity loss, however, can be seen as a negotiation site, where Gyasi’s depiction of their struggles eventually leads the characters to reconstruct their sense of being.
After years of battling with their identity, the African-American characters begin to construct new identities. That separates them from other people.
Gyasi creates a narrative that reflects not only the negative impacts but also the resilience of the African-American characters through this ordeal. The resilience they demonstrate leads to the possibility of recreating their cultural identities such as the jazz culture and the Nation Of Islam after battling with double consciousness. These identities make them stronger as a team, therefore, make them proud of their ‘blackness.’
The themes in Homegoing
Besides revolving around the themes of colonization and identity, Homegoing also highlights family. Aside from that, the novel portrays the forgotten and new culture of the African descendants. Lastly, Gyasi emphasizes the patriarchal society among the black and white culture.
Homegoing is Gyasi’s debut novel. The novel won her the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Award and other several awards.
Sources: Homegoing, Penguin Random House