With Ourika, Claire de Duras made a remarkable achievement in eighteenth century European Literature. First, the work is the first European novel with a black heroine, not to mention the first work in the French Literary tradition to have a black female protagonist as its narrator. Second, it is the first notable journey of a white author into the mentality of a black protagonist. Rather Claire de Duras' vision draws upon the principles of the Enlightenment and this work is not without previous precedents in the philosophical understanding of Europe. 2 pgs. Bibliography lists 1 source.
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