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354Grasping the 'Raw I': Race and Tragedy in Philip Roth's 'The Human Stain'Expositions: Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities 2 (2). 2008.Philip Roth’s novel 'The Human Stain' recounts an instance of racial passing: its protagonist, Coleman Silk, is African-American but light-skinned enough to pass as white. Coleman’s decision to pass and his subsequent violent death, I argue, confront us with complex ethical questions regarding unjust social roles, loyalty, and moral luck. I also argue, building on Hegel’s definition of tragedy, that 'The Human Stain' is a particularly modern tragedy. The novel highlights conflicting role obli…Read more
Waterville, Maine, United States of America
Areas of Specialization
2 more
Aesthetics |
Social and Political Philosophy |
19th Century Philosophy |
Hegel: Ethics |
Hegel: Aesthetics |
Hegel: The State |
Hegel: Patriotism |