AugustWilson.net
Dissertation Preface
Restoring the Myths: Converting Stereotype to Archetype in Five Plays of August Wilson
By Michael Downing
September 1, 2003
Preface
My dissertation explores the role of dramatist August Wilson as a literary mythmaker
who converts pejorative, racist stereotypes into positive, sacred archetypes in his plays. The point of Wilson's
conversions is to construct a cultural mythology for people of African descent
living in America.
The issue of black poet as cultural mythmaker is first raised by Henry Louis
Gates, Jr. in his book, Figures in Black: Words, Signs, and the "Racial" Self.
In this book,
Gates asks, "What is the role of the black poet?" He answers this
question by writing, "By forging value, by solidifying meaning, the black poet .
. . forges myth." Thus Gates sees the role of black poets (including
playwrights, novelists, essayists, etc.) as keepers and shapers
of African American mythologies.
My dissertation, therefore, seeks to extend Gates' theory into the work of
August Wilson. By studying five of Wilson's plays: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,
Fences, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, and
Two Trains Running, we
will see how Wilson assumes that role of cultural mythmaker as he converts stereotype into
archetype time and time again. In doing so, Wilson re-inscribes the
existing cultural mythology (written by whites) with new symbols and images that
reflect the values, rituals, and traditions of blacks.
To cite this page:
Downing, Michael. "Preface to Restoring the Myths: Converting Stereotype to Archetype in Five Plays of August Wilson." AugustWilson.net. Date of Publication. Today's Date. URL.
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