The Complexity of Identity in Alice Walker's Roselily

Alice Walker's short story "Roselily" revolves around a young African-American woman named Roselily, who is about to marry a man she barely knows in exchange for a more stable life. In this essay, I will argue that "Roselily" is a powerful commentary on the challenges and complexities of identity in the context of race, gender, and class.

One of the most striking aspects of Roselily's identity in the story is her racial identity.

As an African-American woman living in the American South, Roselily is acutely aware of the racial tensions and discrimination she faces on a daily basis. This is reflected in the opening lines of the story, where it is noted that Roselily is "black and thin and poor and tired" (Walker 1). These adjectives convey not only her physical appearance but also the many intersecting oppressions that shape her life.

Indeed, throughout the story, Roselily's racial identity is inextricably intertwined with her identity as a woman. As a woman, she is expected to be docile, obedient, and submissive, qualities that are reinforced by her own internalized expectations as well as the expectations of her community. However, given her racial identity, Roselily is also expected to be strong, resilient, and independent, qualities that challenge traditional gender roles.

For example, when Roselily reflects on her life as a single mother of four, she acknowledges that "she has done it alone, without human help" (Walker 2). This impressive feat speaks to her strength and resilience, but it is also a reflection of the ways in which systemic racism and poverty have left her without support or resources.

Furthermore, Roselily's religious identity also plays a significant role in her complex web of identities. Roselily is marrying a man who is a member of the Nation of Islam, a religious organization that is often seen as being at odds with mainstream American values. As a Christian woman, Roselily struggles to reconcile her own faith with the religious beliefs of her prospective husband and his community. This struggle is especially poignant given the cultural and of the story, as the Nation of Islam was both revered and reviled in the 1960s for its advocacy of Black self-determination and separatism.

In conclusion

, Alice Walker's "Roselily" is a powerful portrayal of the ways in which identity intersects and informs our experiences of the world. Through the character of Roselily, Walker sheds light on the complexities of identifying as Black, female, and poor in a society that is rife with oppression and discrimination. Moreover, Roselily's religious identity underscores the challenges of navigating multiple and often conflicting identities. Ultimately, "Roselily" is a masterful work of fiction that invites readers to reflect on their own identities and the ways in which these identities shape our lives and interactions with others.