This paper critically examines Victor LaValle's graphic fiction "Destroyer," a contemporary reinterpretation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein narrative that situates the iconic tale within the socio-political landscape of the 21st century America, specifically focusing on the intersections of race, racial trauma, and monstrosity. By centering a Black protagonist, Dr Baker, LaValle, offers a nuanced commentary on the intersections of race, identity, and the enduring legacies of trauma within African American society. The narrative intricately depicts Dr Baker's journey, by navigating the moral dilemmas of creation, maternal love, and the implications of scientific ambition on marginalized communities. Through the lens of gothic and graphic, LaValle engages with historical and cultural discourses surrounding the Black experience in the context of American identity. This paper posits that "Destroyer" in the legacy of Mary Shelley, acts as a vital critique of societal norms that often perpetuate racism, and reinforces trauma that is frequently ascribed to Black bodies. Moreover, by positioning his characters within a landscape marked by the dual traumas of scientific inquiry and personal loss, LaValle invites readers to re-examine Frankenstein's legacy through a lens that articulates empathy and resilience, particularly in the context of race and racial trauma. Ultimately, this paper contends that "Destroyer" represents a significant literary contribution as it challenges assumptions within literary and sociocultural narratives, reimagining Victor Frankenstein’s monster and evolution of Dr Baker’s monster to depict systemic inequities and the rich tapestry of Black experiences in America.

Authors:
Aman Deep Singh, Nirma University, India
Jainee Shah, Nirma University, India

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jainee Shah is an Assistant Professor of English at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nirma University. She has seven years of experience in teaching communication skills and personality development to engineering students.

Connect on Linkedin
https://in.linkedin.com/in/dr-jainee-shah-078705a

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jainee-Shah-3

Additional website of interest
https://technology.nirmauni.ac.in/author/jaineeshah/

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