Racism and Gender in “Joan Riley’s Waiting in Twilight”

Abstract

Abstract

The present paper aims to study the racism and gender in Joan Riley’s “Waiting in Twilight" with a specific emphasis on through the experiences of its protagonist, Sylvie. In the novel, Sylvie is a black Jamaican woman who moves to England in search of a better life. However, she soon finds herself facing racism and discrimination from the white British people around her. For example, she is denied job opportunities and subjected to derogatory comments and behaviors. The novel explores the intersection of gender and racism, as Sylvie faces specific challenges as a black woman. She is often subject to both racial and gender-based discrimination, which can be particularly difficult to navigate. For instance, a white man sexually harasses her and uses his position and privileges to take advantage of her as a black female in the country away from her own country.

In the novel, Sylvie's journey highlights the intricate challenges that arise from the intersection of racism and gender, specifically shedding light on the distinctive hurdles faced by black women. The novel illustrates the necessity to understand and, in turn, to eliminate these multilayered instances of discrimination with a mind toward a better, level playing field for all. Keywords: racism - gender - Twilight.