How Long to Read The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism

How Long Does it Take to Read The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 20 minutes to read The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism by Henry Louis Gates

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s original, groundbreaking study explores the relationship between the African and African-American vernacular traditions and black literature, elaborating a new critical approach located within this tradition that allows the black voice to speak for itself. Examining the ancient poetry and myths found in African, Latin American, and Caribbean culture, and particularly the Yoruba trickster figure of Esu-Elegbara and the Signifying Monkey whose myths help articulate the black tradition's theory of its literature, Gates uncovers a unique system for interpretation and a powerful vernacular tradition that black slaves brought with them to the New World. His critical approach relies heavily on the Signifying Monkey--perhaps the most popular figure in African-American folklore--and signification and Signifyin(g). Exploring signification in black American life and literature by analyzing the transmission and revision of various signifying figures, Gates provides an extended analysis of what he calls the "Talking Book," a central trope in early slave narratives that virtually defines the tradition of black American letters. Gates uses this critical framework to examine several major works of African-American literature--including Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, and Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo--revealing how these works signify on the black tradition and on each other. The second volume in an enterprising trilogy on African-American literature, The Signifying Monkey--which expands the arguments of Figures in Black--makes an important contribution to literary theory, African-American literature, folklore, and literary history.

How long is The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism?

The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism by Henry Louis Gates is 320 pages long, and a total of 80,000 words.

This makes it 108% the length of the average book. It also has 98% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 17 minutes to read The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism aloud.

What Reading Level is The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism?

The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism?

The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism by Henry Louis Gates is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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