Ann Petry’s “Like a Winding Sheet”: A study of Racial Discrimination and Mental Health.

Abstract

There has been a long history of racial prejudice and generalised hostility of white community towards the black community, who are thought to possess some undesirable characteristics. The result of which, black people have faced racial discrimination, denied equal socio-political and legal rights. Johnson and Mae are a black couple, who because of their undesirable position have faced subjugation at various levels in their everyday life. The story narrates the various incidents of racial discrimination that is faced by Johnson, how it affects his life and mental health. In this paper, we examine through social psychological theories, how race, racism and discrimination has an effect on the couple’s identity, achievement processes, interpersonal relationships and their mental health. The paper will focus on the various kinds of discrimination suffered by Johnson and Mae, and how Mae is more at an disadvantageous position than her husband.