Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins
| Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born | 1859 Portland, Maine |
| Died | August 13, 1930 Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Occupation | Novelist, journalist, playwright, historian, and editor |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Romance novel |
Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins (1859 – August 13, 1930) was a prominent African-American novelist, journalist, playwright, historian, and editor. She is considered a pioneer in her use of the romantic novel to explore social and racial themes. Her work reflects the influence of W. E. B. Du Bois.
Hopkins was born in Portland, Maine but grew up in Boston, Massachusetts to Benjamin Northup and Sarah Allen. Her father, Benjamin Northup, was very influential in Providence, Rhode Island due to his political ties and her mother, Sarah Allen, is a native of Exeter, New Hampshire. Even though Benjamin Northrup is noted as her biological father, she regards and refers to William Hopkins as her father, which is how her last name “Hopkins” was originated.
The dynamics between Sarah Allen, Benjamin Northup and William Hopkins are quite interesting. Benjamin Northup and Williams Hopkins are very well-connected, with members of their extended families sharing close personal relationships with one another. However, before Hopkins entered the picture, Allen and Northrup were married for a short amount of time. Yet, after disputes of unfaithfulness in their bond, Allen went on to file paperwork for divorce. She was then approved by the court to move forward and leave behind previous marital stresses.
Not too long after, she met and became wedded to William Hopkins. Their relationship sparked a new representation of a middle class society for Boston African Americans.
Coming from a family who demonstrated high achievement, Hopkins' parents encouraged her in every aspect of her life.
In 1874, after completing her second year at Girls High School, Hopkins grew a strong appreciation for literary work. She decided to participate in an essay contest, which was held by the Congregational Publishing Society of Boston and funded by former slave novelist and dramatist, William Wells Brown. Her essay entitled, “Evils of Intemperance and Their Remedy,” focused on the troubling effects of intemperance. Throughout her work, she urged parents to take a stance and be in control of the social upbringing of their children’s lives. From there, she won first prize along with ten dollars in gold. She was then honored by the judges on behalf of her excellent writing skills.
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