Self, Family and Community in John Edgar Wideman’s Hiding Place

Through Hiding Place, Wideman has come out with more focused approach towards the black psyche, and has tried to give a perspective to the black community. In the novels written earlier, he does not involve himself in his deliberation. Moreover, he has seen at the black protagonists and the black community from a distance. But in Hiding Place, Wideman has given exclusive voice to his black protagonists. In addition, the theme is more focused, and more black-centric. However, as usual, the protagonists continue to be relentless searcher for something missing. And that something is family and community.