Black Commodification and Creative Survival in Toni Morrison’s Love and A Mercy

Abstract

The paper examines the dimensions of oppression and the strategies adopted by the characters to survive and overcome a challenging and unjust socio-economic system deliberately designed to keep them perpetually disempowered, dependent and emasculated in Toni Morrison's Love (2003) and A Mercy (2008). It argues that power dynamics, the yoke of slavery and racial injustice that systematically denigrate the black man all have as a common point of convergence - the historical commodification of the African American. The creative representation of such a predatory society has immense significance in the avenues and strategies taken by the characters to achieve upward mobility, economic independence and social relevance. The paper applies insights from psychoanalysis, Marxism and New Historicism in analysing the novels in an attempt at grappling with the historical, social and environmental texts at play as well as the texture of the issues that assail the humanity of the black people in America. From this motley of theoretical perspectives, the paper also underscores the writer's artistic and humanistic vision of endowing the black characters the understanding, will and resolve to survive an oppressive society and liberate themselves from its shackles.