Caucasia by Danzy Senna

I think Caucasia has several themes, which have been present in past African American literature we have read in this class. For example, the theme of identity is explored in this novel from several characters’ points of view. It is shown that finding one identity is not only socially orientated, but also psychologically. To Birdie, she sees herself to be the same as her sister, Cole. However, others focus on their differences, and this all starts to confuse Birdie. When they first started attending an all-black school, the other students accepted Cole, but Birdie was not. Then, as Birdie tries to fit in at the all-black school, she feels as if she is only playing a role. ‘But I did feel different—more conscious of my body as a toy, and of the ways I could use it to disappear into the world around me.’ This is an important aspect of this novel and of the idea of passing. Unlike an all-black person, Birdie has the option of passing as black, or as white. She feels pressure to change from one to the other, depending on her situation and surroundings.

Early on, we witnessed just how close of a relationship Birdie and Cole have. Cole stood up for her younger sister. ‘Birdie isn’t white. She’s black. Just like me.’ This brings up another important theme of Caucasia, which is the bond between sisters. Birdie and Cole’s relationship demonstrates the true capability that sisters have to protect each other and comfort each other. Some reasons for their connection are how they spent so much time together, growing up in their attic. Another reason could be the hardships they experienced witnessing their parents fight, and living in such a hostile environment. I believe that when two people experience difficult times together, they naturally form a connection. These girls were also the only companions to the each other all through their childhood.