The representation of race and gender in English literature as a key humanistic endeavor that reveals social hierarchies, cultural tensions, and evolving power dynamics across historical periods. Through a qualitative, interpretative analysis of selected canonical and contemporary texts—Othello, Jane Eyre, Wide Sargasso Sea, and Americanah—this paper explores how literary narratives reflect, reinforce, and challenge dominant ideologies of race and gender. Drawing upon postcolonial and feminist theories, the study demonstrates how literature functions both as a mirror of societal norms and as a transformative tool capable of reshaping public consciousness. The findings affirm that humanities-based literary studies are essential for promoting inclusive, intersectional understandings of identity in a globalized and multidisciplinary academic environment.
Publication Date: 2026-02-16