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Abstract

The present research study employs critical race theory as a lens to analyze the nuanced manifestations of colorism and denigration within Rumaan Alam's Leave the World Behind. Moving beyond a simple dichotomy of race, the research delves into the ways in which gradations of skin tone shape the experiences and perceptions of characters within the novel. Through close textual analysis, the study investigates how colorism influences the representation of Black characters, impacting their sense of identity and belonging. Furthermore, it examines how colorism intersects with perceptions of safety and security during the unfolding crisis, exploring whether skin tone affects the levels of trust and support characters extend to one another. A key focus is the presence of racial microaggressions and subtle acts of denigration within the narrative, revealing how these everyday interactions contribute to the maintenance of social hierarchies. The analysis also considers the intersection of class dynamics, exploring how socioeconomic status might exacerbate or mitigate the effects of colorism on individual characters. By examining these interwoven factors, the study aims to provide a richer understanding of the complexities of colorism. Ultimately, this research argues that Leave the World Behind offers a critical commentary on the insidious nature of colorism, highlighting its enduring effects on individual lives and social structures, even amidst societal collapse. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of colorism in contemporary literature, shedding light on its psychological and social consequences. This analysis suggests avenues for future research, including comparative studies of colorism in other post-apocalyptic narratives and investigations into the role of digital media in perpetuating or challenging colorist ideologies.