11.2 Colson Whitehead and The Underground Railroad

Colson Whitehead's "The Underground Railroad" reimagines the historical network as a literal train system. This twist on magical realism allows Whitehead to explore slavery's impact across different eras and regions, compressing time and space to highlight key themes.

The novel follows Cora's journey to freedom, using the railroad as a metaphor for African American experiences. Through her encounters with various forms of oppression, Whitehead examines slavery's legacy and its connections to ongoing racial injustice in America.

Magical Realism in the Narrative

Incorporation of Fantastical Elements

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  "La ferrovia sotterranea” di Colson Whitehead: recensione libro View original

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  The Mad Professah Lectures: BOOK REVIEW: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead View original

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  La antigua Biblos: El ferrocarril subterráneo - Colson Whitehead View original

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• Magical realism incorporates fantastical or mythical elements into an otherwise realistic narrative
• In The Underground Railroad, Whitehead employs magical realism through the literal depiction of the Underground Railroad as a subterranean train system
• The fantastical elements, such as the underground trains and the seemingly anachronistic settings, create a dreamlike atmosphere that emphasizes the surreal and nightmarish nature of slavery and its aftermath

Compression of Time and Space

• The use of magical realism allows Whitehead to compress time and space
• Cora's journey traverses different historical eras and geographic regions that represent various aspects of the African American experience
• This compression highlights the allegorical and symbolic dimensions of the narrative, encouraging readers to consider the deeper meanings and implications of Cora's journey

Underground Railroad: Literal vs Metaphorical

Literal Representation

• The Underground Railroad is depicted as an actual subterranean railway system, complete with trains, tracks, and stations
• It is operated by a secret network of abolitionists and former slaves
• This literal representation serves as a metaphor for the historical efforts to help slaves escape to freedom, emphasizing the ingenuity, bravery, and solidarity of those involved in the abolitionist movement

Symbolic Journey

• The physical journey undertaken by Cora on the Underground Railroad symbolizes the psychological and emotional journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the search for identity that many African Americans have experienced throughout history
• The various stops along the Underground Railroad represent different aspects of the African American experience, from the horrors of slavery to the challenges and triumphs of building new lives in the face of adversity
• Examples of these stops include South Carolina, which represents the false promises of emancipation, and North Carolina, which portrays the extreme brutality and oppression of slavery

Themes of Escape, Pursuit, and Slavery

Desperate Attempts at Freedom

• The novel explores the theme of escape through Cora's desperate attempts to flee the Randall plantation and the various forms of oppression she encounters throughout her journey
• Cora's experiences of abuse, loss, and the constant fear of discovery highlight the emotional and mental toll of slavery on the individual psyche
• Her journey symbolizes the historical struggles of enslaved people seeking freedom and the sacrifices they made to escape bondage

Relentless Pursuit and Precarious Freedom

• The relentless pursuit of Cora by the slave catcher Ridgeway serves as a reminder of the constant threat of recapture and the precariousness of freedom for escaped slaves
• Ridgeway's character represents the ruthless determination of those who sought to maintain the institution of slavery and the obstacles faced by those seeking to escape it
• The cyclical nature of violence and oppression, as seen in the repeating patterns of escape and pursuit, reflects the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the need for continued resistance against discrimination

Psychological Impact of Slavery

• Whitehead delves into the psychological impact of slavery on both the enslaved and the enslavers
• He portrays the dehumanizing effects of the institution and the complex dynamics of power, fear, and trauma
• The novel examines the psychological effects of slavery on white characters, such as the moral corruption and twisted justifications employed by slave owners (Terrance Randall) and the conflicted motivations of white abolitionists (Mr. Fletcher)

Slavery's Legacy in Contemporary America

Parallels to Ongoing Racial Injustice

• The Underground Railroad draws parallels between the historical reality of slavery and the ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice in contemporary America
• Through the depiction of different forms of oppression and discrimination encountered by Cora in various states, Whitehead highlights the persistence of systemic racism and the challenges faced by African Americans long after the abolition of slavery
• Examples include the forced sterilization programs in South Carolina and the lynchings and racial violence in North Carolina

Blurring Past and Present

• The novel's anachronistic elements, such as the inclusion of skyscrapers and modern technology in certain settings, serve to blur the boundaries between past and present
• This blurring suggests that the legacy of slavery continues to shape American society and that the fight for racial justice is an ongoing struggle
• Whitehead's portrayal of the cyclical nature of violence and oppression reflects the need for continued resistance against discrimination and the importance of confronting the enduring impact of slavery on contemporary America