8. The Intersection of Race, Class, and Identity in Homegoing: The Struggle for Equality Across Generations
In Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi explores the intersection of race, class, and identity through the multi-generational stories of Effia and Esi’s descendants. The novel shows how the social hierarchies created by slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism continue to shape the lives of the characters, affecting their opportunities, relationships, and sense of self.
In the United States, the descendants of Esi face the brutal realities of racial segregation, slavery, and systemic racism. Characters like James and Marjorie struggle with the dual burdens of being Black in a society that discriminates against them, while also navigating the complicated dynamics of class within the African American community. Gyasi illustrates how race and class intersect to create barriers to social mobility and equality, making it harder for the characters to escape the legacies of slavery and racism. Even within the African American community, there are complex power dynamics at play, as some characters benefit from lighter skin or more wealth, while others face the harshest forms of discrimination.
In Ghana, the descendants of Effia experience the impact of class and race within the context of colonialism. Quey, for example, faces the internal conflict of being a product of both African and European heritage, trying to navigate the complex social hierarchies of his time. The British colonial system has created a class system that continues to affect the Ghanaian characters, with some benefiting from colonial education and power, while others struggle to maintain their cultural identity in the face of Western influence.
Through these intersecting dynamics of race and class, Gyasi paints a rich and multifaceted portrait of the ways in which social hierarchies shape the lives of individuals. The characters’ struggles for equality, self-respect, and identity reflect the ongoing fight against systemic oppression and the continuous quest for freedom and justice across generations.