Frances E.W. Harper’s Iola Leroy as a Black Nationalist Text

Abstract

This work examines the historical context in the later nineteenth century during which Frances E.W. Harper is writing her novel, Iola Leroy. This work argues that Harper is underscoring the ways in which Black men can be citizens, during a time where they are intimidated and murdered, by portraying a variety of differently positioned Black men. These seemingly minor characters, ranging from men who are formally illiterate, dark-skinned, enslaved, free, military servicemen, tender, confident, religious… are actually pivotal in understanding Harper as a prominent Black thinker in the nineteenth century. Iola Leroy may be viewed as a “sentimental novel” but viewing Harper’s work through the lens of Black Nationalism will expand how we view her art and further her political and cultural goals.