Case Study: Analysis of 'Red Hook' - Brooklyn College, Fall 2024

This case study analyzes the story 'Red Hook', focusing on themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the portrayal of minority groups and immigrants. The analysis examines how the story uses language and imagery to depict racial bias and the fear of the 'other', highlighting the societal impact of these attitudes. The study explores the author's writing style, emphasizing the subtle ways in which the narrative builds tension and reinforces negative stereotypes. The analysis covers the story's depiction of the 'civilized' versus the 'uncivilized', and how the author uses the characters and setting to create a sense of threat and danger associated with the immigrant population. The assignment is a detailed examination of the story, providing insights into the sociological implications of the narrative's themes and the author's approach to storytelling.

STORY ANALYSIS 1
Answer 1)
The elements of prejudice against minorities and people in color is seen in the
following instances from the story. At first the said population and their society is described
as a “hopeless tangle and enigma,” “babel of sound and filth.” Further to add, the associates
of Suydam are stated to be “blackest and most vicious criminals of Red Hook’s devious
lanes.” Further, the minorities are stated to be “unauthorized newcomers” and their
occupations are generalized to be linked with underworld on lines of “smuggling and
“bootlegging.” Further the population is referred to as the “dark foreign faces” and describes
a neighborhood of Asian immigrants as “slant-eyed folk.” In addition, a sailor is described as
“an Arab with a hatefully negroid mouth.”
Answer 2)
The fear is inspired in the following ways. Living in Brooklyn is stated to be
“imprisoned in a nightmare.” Further, it has been stated that “Policemen despair of order or
reform, and seek rather to erect barriers protecting the outside world from the contagion,”
which means necessary means were being consistently opted to save the region from
immigrants being dwelling in it. The fear is described as a nightmare.
Answer 3)
The “civilized” and “white region” of New York is described as being under the threat
of black illegal immigrants and their families. The brown people are described as evil
throughout the story. The author places the theme of racism as the central focus of the story.
The writing style of the author is such that it requires close reading and story scene is set with
the use of the subtleties and shadings. The story slowly evolves and describes the deeper evil
by bringing intermixing immigrants in the scenes.