Illusions of Freedom. Third Space Created by Maroons: Fact and Fiction

Abstract

The main focus of the proposed papers will be examining portraits of escapees from slavery in chosen texts of American and Caribbean Literature (Nubia Kai „I spread my wings and I fly”, Namba Roy „Black Albino”, Simone Schwatrz-Bart „Pluie et vent sur Telumee Miracle”, Patrick Chamoiseau „Texaco”). After a presentation of historical data concerning Maroons and their independent habitats set up in jungles, mountains, or swamp territories, various literary representations of Maroons and their communities will be analyzed. This study will focus on discerning crucial characteristics formed by Maroon communities and the traces they left in identity definitions, which then one can see in key literary texts written by authors for whom themes related to slavery are an essential part of cultural heritage. Comparative conclusions will follow.