Abstract

Numerous scholars of contemporary American literature recognize Charles Johnson as a writer of growing significance; however, to date no book-length study of his work has appeared. Arguably, one deterrent to the scholarly examination of his works is the dense philosophical substructure supporting all of his narratives. This substructure comprises an extensive knowledge of western philosophy , an exploration of Eastern religious/philosophical thought , and a sweeping perspective on contemporary and historical African-American culture; the major intention of his aesthetic project is the creation of unity in the face of a host of forces that propagate dividedness in all aspects of our culture. In each of his works, Johnson takes up a different approach to this central question and tries a variety of perspectives in his search for the fullest articulation of his ideas. This project establishes the basis of Johnson's paradigm of unity, outlines some of the major points of phenomenology, then traces some of the general means he employs to achieve his goals. The project addresses his individual works and gives attention to specific elements and situations on which he tests his aesthetic as it develops: the dichotomy between African-American folk culture and rationalist scientific philosophy; the interplay of Zen Buddhism, western philosophy, and nineteenth century American history; his development of key tropes and perspectives; and his place in the line of American philosophical novelists, with major attention on nineteenth century practitioners of the form