Literature as a tool for social change

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 103 views

An Analysis of Racial Discrimination Portrayed in Peter Carey's Novel: A Long Way From Home

Introduction

Racial discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. It is a complex and multifaceted problem that can manifest in various forms, including stereotypes, prejudice, and social rejection. In literature, racial discrimination is often portrayed as a means of social commentary, encouraging readers to reflect on the impact of discriminatory views on individuals and society. This analysis aims to explore the portrayal of racial discrimination in Peter Carey's novel, A Long Way From Home, and examine the ways in which the author uses literary devices to critique existing social realities.

Theoretical Framework

This study employs a literary sociology approach, drawing on the theory of M.H. Abrams (1981: 178). Abrams' theory posits that literature is a reflection of the social context in which it is written. By examining the ways in which literature reflects and shapes social views, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the interaction between literature and the surrounding social context.

Methodology

This analysis employs a descriptive qualitative method, collecting data from the novel A Long Way From Home by Peter Carey. The data collected includes words, sentences, and clauses that refer to the types of racial discrimination in the novel. Each element is then classified into the category of racial discrimination based on the specified criteria.

Types of Racial Discrimination in the Novel

Stereotype

Stereotypes refer to generalizations or simplistic views on certain groups. In A Long Way From Home, Peter Carey cleverly illustrates how the characters interact with the stereotypical views attached to them. For example, characters originating from certain ethnic backgrounds are often considered as representations of all people from the same group. This illustrates how stereotypes can strengthen discriminatory views in society.

Example from the Novel

In the novel, the character of Eucalyptus is portrayed as a stereotypical Australian, with a strong emphasis on his love of the outdoors and his rugged individualism. This portrayal reinforces the stereotype of the Australian as a tough, no-nonsense individual, who is not afraid to take risks. However, this stereotype is also used to critique the limitations of such a view, highlighting the complexities and nuances of individual experience.

Prejudice

Prejudice is a negative attitude that is baseless towards individuals or groups based on their racial or ethnic identities. This novel shows how prejudice can appear in daily interactions, where characters experience negative judgments before they are given the opportunity to show who they really are. Through its characters, Carey highlights the adverse impact of prejudice on relationships between individuals and communities.

Example from the Novel

In the novel, the character of Prue is portrayed as a victim of prejudice, with her experiences of racism and marginalization serving as a catalyst for her personal growth and development. Through Prue's story, Carey highlights the ways in which prejudice can limit opportunities and create social exclusion, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and empathy.

Social Rejection

Social rejection occurs when individuals or groups are rejected by the community or community because of their racial identity. In the novel, readers can witness how some characters face exclusion and rejection, which not only affects their personal lives but also creates broader injustice in society. This rejection often creates social tension and destructive conflict.

Example from the Novel

In the novel, the character of Eucalyptus is rejected by his community because of his Aboriginal heritage. This rejection serves as a catalyst for his personal growth and development, highlighting the ways in which social rejection can create social tension and conflict.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Through a strong portrayal of racial discrimination, Peter Carey not only presents interesting stories but also a sharp social criticism of existing reality. Racial discrimination in this novel is not only a background of the story but also encourages the development of character and plot. By revealing various forms of discrimination, Carey invites the reader to reflect on the long-term impact of the prejudist views they might have.

In addition, this research also opens space for further discussions about the role of literature in reflecting and forming social views. Work like A Long Way From Home is important because it is not only entertaining, but also gives a critical view of relevant social issues, such as racial discrimination. This novel invites the reader to understand and feel the emotional impact of discrimination, as well as encouraging empathy and deeper understanding of others.

Conclusion

Racial discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. Through a literary sociology approach, this study has examined the portrayal of racial discrimination in Peter Carey's novel, A Long Way From Home. The analysis has highlighted the ways in which the author uses literary devices to critique existing social realities, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and empathy. By reflecting on the impact of discriminatory views on individuals and society, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted issue of racial discrimination.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increased awareness: Racial discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. Increased awareness of the impact of discriminatory views on individuals and society is essential for promoting greater understanding and empathy.
Literature as a tool for social change: Literature has the power to shape social views and promote social change. By using literary devices to critique existing social realities, authors like Peter Carey can encourage readers to reflect on the long-term impact of discriminatory views.
Empathy and understanding: Empathy and understanding are essential for promoting greater social cohesion and reducing social conflict. By encouraging readers to understand and feel the emotional impact of discrimination, authors like Peter Carey can promote greater empathy and understanding.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited scope: This study has focused on a single novel, A Long Way From Home, and a single author, Peter Carey. A broader scope, including multiple novels and authors, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the portrayal of racial discrimination in literature.
Methodological limitations: This study has employed a descriptive qualitative method, which may not be suitable for all research questions. A more rigorous methodological approach, such as a quantitative or mixed-methods approach, may be necessary for future studies.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Comparative analysis: A comparative analysis of multiple novels and authors would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the portrayal of racial discrimination in literature.
Quantitative analysis: A quantitative analysis of the portrayal of racial discrimination in literature would provide a more rigorous and systematic understanding of the issue.
Mixed-methods approach: A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the portrayal of racial discrimination in literature.
Q&A: Racial Discrimination in Literature - A Long Way From Home

Introduction

Racial discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. In literature, racial discrimination is often portrayed as a means of social commentary, encouraging readers to reflect on the impact of discriminatory views on individuals and society. In this Q&A article, we will explore the portrayal of racial discrimination in Peter Carey's novel, A Long Way From Home, and examine the ways in which the author uses literary devices to critique existing social realities.

Q: What is racial discrimination, and how is it portrayed in A Long Way From Home?

A: Racial discrimination is a form of prejudice or bias against individuals or groups based on their racial or ethnic identity. In A Long Way From Home, Peter Carey portrays racial discrimination through the experiences of his characters, highlighting the ways in which discriminatory views can limit opportunities and create social exclusion.

Q: What are some examples of racial discrimination in the novel?

A: Some examples of racial discrimination in the novel include the character of Eucalyptus, who is rejected by his community because of his Aboriginal heritage, and the character of Prue, who experiences racism and marginalization throughout the novel.

Q: How does the author use literary devices to critique existing social realities?

A: Peter Carey uses a range of literary devices, including characterization, plot, and setting, to critique existing social realities. For example, the character of Eucalyptus is portrayed as a complex and nuanced individual, highlighting the limitations of stereotypical views of Aboriginal people.

Q: What is the significance of the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination?

A: The novel's portrayal of racial discrimination is significant because it highlights the ways in which discriminatory views can limit opportunities and create social exclusion. By encouraging readers to reflect on the impact of discriminatory views, the novel promotes greater understanding and empathy.

Q: How can readers engage with the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination?

A: Readers can engage with the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination by reflecting on their own experiences and biases, and by considering the ways in which discriminatory views can impact individuals and communities.

Q: What are some potential implications of the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination?

A: Some potential implications of the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination include increased awareness of the impact of discriminatory views on individuals and society, and a greater understanding of the need for greater empathy and understanding.

Q: How can the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination be used to promote social change?

A: The novel's portrayal of racial discrimination can be used to promote social change by encouraging readers to reflect on their own biases and to consider the ways in which discriminatory views can impact individuals and communities. By promoting greater understanding and empathy, the novel can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Q: What are some potential limitations of the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination?

A: Some potential limitations of the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination include the risk of perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing existing biases. However, the novel's nuanced and complex portrayal of racial discrimination suggests that these limitations can be mitigated through careful consideration and reflection.

Q: How can readers access more information about the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination?

A: Readers can access more information about the novel's portrayal of racial discrimination by consulting academic sources, such as scholarly articles and book reviews, and by engaging with online discussions and debates about the novel.

Conclusion

Racial discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. In literature, racial discrimination is often portrayed as a means of social commentary, encouraging readers to reflect on the impact of discriminatory views on individuals and society. By exploring the portrayal of racial discrimination in Peter Carey's novel, A Long Way From Home, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted issue of racial discrimination, and promote greater empathy and understanding.