History As Fiction (Mason Miao)

Does Dana leave a positive impact?      Throughout Kindred, the author continuously portrays Dana as a benign protagonist who tries to help as much as she possibly can. In the beginning, I’d even venture to say that Dana has an air of superiority over these slaves, gradually fading as the narrative unfolds. While Dana means well, this novel shows us how even well-meaning individuals are not immune to the pitfalls of institutionalized racism and can ultimately help maintain the status quo. This book highlights the fact that fixing this broken system takes much more than one person since no matter how progressive they may seem, this singular person can ultimately cause more harm.             At the start of the book, I believed that Dana makes a positive impact on the plantation by saving Rufus and teaching him about what life is like in 1976. Dana is trying to help mold Rufus into a better person. Inadvertently, Rufus’...

 Mutafikah In the world of Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed, there are a number of fascinating characters. However, what drew my attention was the Mutafikahs. Ishmael Reed’s message was pretty clear that they are a ragtag group bent on resisting the existing hierarchy. However, the dynamics within the Mutafikah group, particularly with Berbelang and Thor Wintergreen, highlight the message and its complexities.             The overarching theme in Mumbo Jumbo is the critique of Western Civilization, and it cannot be more obvious than through the Mutafikahs. The Mutafikahs embody an interesting branch of justice, in a way. They look to amend these historical injustices inflicted upon them by retaking their art and sending it back to their rightful owners. In that sense, the art represents agency over their cultural heritage, highlighting the ongoing colonialism.             Adding...

  What’s up with Morgan and Ford? Almost all of the historical figures in Doctorow’s ragtime are portrayed as symbolisms. Though they no doubt once held influence, we need to keep in mind how Doctorow brings these historical characters in for the sole purpose of the book. On that note, what would Henry Ford symbolize? I think most of us see how Ford is the embodiment of this technological growth. Though Ford is treated with tons of irony in chapter 18, when Doctorow describes the creation of the Model T with the assembly line with such, almost exaggerated, importance, how “an identical car appeared at the top of the ramp, stood for a moment pointed at the cold early morning sun,” it feels serious. Interestingly, this majestic description is one of the few times in the chapter I feel is authentic. In this sense, Ford is treated with irony yet his assembly line idea is something that Doctorow actually admires. While I agree that Coalhouse is the main catalyst for the central plotline...