The purpose of this portfolio is to introduce readers to the 20th century poet and playwrite, Ntozake Shange. Shange has made significant contributions to modern literature and theater by providing a feminist approach to the post Black Arts Movement. Shange, born Paulette L. Williams, represents her culture, African Americans, by addressing issues relating to race and feminism in her work. In this portfolio, we will take a brief glimpse into her life and work and how it has been perceived through time. |
Figure 1
Yee, K. Marilyn. Ms. Shange in 1977. 2013. New York, NY. New York Times. Photograph. 29 July 2016.
Yee, K. Marilyn. Ms. Shange in 1977. 2013. New York, NY. New York Times. Photograph. 29 July 2016.
Early Life
Early Life
- Born Paulette L. Williams on October 18th 1948
- Attended non-segregated school high school and experienced racism
- After a failed marriage and racial tensions, she attempted suicide numerous times
- Turned her rage against society instead of herself and earned a bachelors from Barnard and a Masters from USC.
- In 1970, influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, Paulette renamed her self Ntozake Shange
- Used her new-found knowledge of her African-American heritage to write plays, poems and novels about feminism and racism involving African-American women.
Organization/Theme
I have decided to organize this profile in as aesthetically pleasing manner as well as citing works of art in a sequential order. I have decided to use various photographs and videos to educate the viewer. On the top of the page you will find several subsections that lead to various portions of this project; home, introduction, biography, examples/critiques and works cited.
I have decided to organize this profile in as aesthetically pleasing manner as well as citing works of art in a sequential order. I have decided to use various photographs and videos to educate the viewer. On the top of the page you will find several subsections that lead to various portions of this project; home, introduction, biography, examples/critiques and works cited.
Critical Reception
While most of Shage's work was well-recieved some critques agree that her work portrayed African-American males in a negative manner.
While most of Shage's work was well-recieved some critques agree that her work portrayed African-American males in a negative manner.