The Role of Redemption and Corruption in We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin (2019)

The Role of Redemption and Corruption in We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin (2019)

Expanding the Roles:
Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s We Cast a Shadow explores the life of an African American man living in a near-future society where racial tensions are heightened. The protagonist’s obsession with “passing” as white leads him down a path of self-destruction. This novel explores the complex themes of race, identity, and redemption, making it a powerful read for literature students interested in the intersections of race, morality, and social expectations.

• The Struggle for Racial Identity:
  The protagonist’s quest for racial “passing” serves as an exploration of identity and the lengths one will go to in order to escape racial discrimination. Students can examine how Ruffin portrays the psychological toll of living in a racially divided society and the way race shapes personal identity.

• Redemption and Corruption:
  The protagonist’s desire for redemption through assimilation leads him to make morally questionable decisions. Literature students can analyze how the novel explores the consequences of trying to conform to societal standards at the expense of one’s integrity, and how redemption in this context is both personal and societal.

What We Learn:
We Cast a Shadow teaches literature students about the psychological impact of racial identity, the corrupting influence of societal expectations, and the complex journey toward redemption. The novel provides a powerful lens for examining the intersections of race, identity, and morality.