As your textbook states, Fauset's text uses the familiar form of the short story to introduce new ideas into literature. In "The Sleeper Wakes," she uses the topic of uncertain racial identity to bring assumptions and stereotypes into question.

What is Amy's race?

When Amy decides to run away to the city, it never occurs to her that she will hurt her family. She's often thoughtless, but not mean.

Amy is routinely referred to as a beautiful woman, but she also has good taste and the ability to make things lovely.

Amy's relationship with Zora, who is white, is rather unusual. The wealthy and eccentric Zora decides to mentor Amy, who is easily influenced. Amy resists Zora only in her view of the poor and immigrants living in the city; Zora is repulsed, but Amy sees them as human beings.

Zora guides Amy to marry a rich rather racist man. Amy doesn't seem to mind his attitudes but does not like his behavior towards the African American servants.

One servant risks his life by pushing back to defend his sister's honor. Thinking of her own little brother, Amy tells her husband she is black so the young man can escape. She expects her husband will be embarrassed for friends to know but can't imagine he will change his feelings for her. She is wrong.

Amy is confused when her husband does not want her back as wife but as a mistress. She does not understand how he can want and despise her at the same time. She respects herself too much to accept this role, and she chooses the life she values.