Nella+Larsen

The above was originally published October 7, 2009 at http://nellalarsen-amber.blogspot.com/2009/10/nella-larsen.html For all those who enjoy reading novels from past eras, Nella Larsen should be the next author on your reading list. Although she only wrote two novels, her description of the hardships of black Americans in the Harlem Renaissance makes you think that history is repeating itself and you are getting to see it through Nella Larsen's eyes. Racism has always, and always will be a part of American society. In today's society it plays a much less substantial role in everyday life, but in the 1920's and 1930's there was a constant battle between different races. Larsen's writings describe the Harlem Renaissance to mere perfection. In the novel "Quicksand," Larsen describes the struggle of being a half-white, half-black American during the post Civil War era. This relates to her life because she is also of mixed ethnic background.The literature of the Harlem Renaissance should continue to be studied in American high schools because it shows the hardships of the black-American community. High school students should be able to read this material and understand that they are blessed to live in America today. Although we have gruesome history, this time period shows the perseverance of an ethnic community that overcomes racial discrimination and fights to be treated as equal.