Published Paper Details:

Abstract This study examines themes of race and alienation in Dancing in the Dark by Caryl Phillips, a novel that delves into the life of Bert Williams, a black vaudeville performer in early 20th-century America. By contextualizing Williams's experiences within historical and social frameworks, Phillips portrays the alienation imposed by racial prejudice and the complexities of navigating identity in a society where acceptance often comes at the cost of self-denial. Through close analysis of Williams's internal struggles and his performative life, this research explores how racialized identity can become both a source of professional success and profound personal estrangement. The novel is interpreted through the lens of postcolonial theory, highlighting how Phillips critiques not only the overt racial barriers but also the more insidious psychological tolls of systemic racism. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Phillips's portrayal of racial alienation and its impact on individual identity in the broader landscape of African American literature.