African American Literature
In his Autobiography of an Ex-colored Man, James Weldon Johnson explores the meaning of "passing" in an American society. The reader never learns the name of the narrator in the novel, but you learn that it's of little importance. The crisis throughout the novel centers on the narrator discovering his identity. At times the narrator regrets his failure to the black race, he says, " I am an ordinary white man who has made a little money. " They are men who are making history and a race." (p.861) But this uncertainty is the heart of the novel, classifying human beings merely by the color of skin is impulsive and arbitrary. While revealing his decision, the ex-colored man disregards his black race and misrepresents his strong uniqueness. There are many causes that lead to his development to "pass". (All subsequent quotations come from The Norton Anthology, African American Literature.)There are many causes that may have led the central character to "pass"; one example reflects on his upbringing. His mother tells him, "The best blood of the South is in you," (p.784) when the narrator asks whom his father is. Clearly, his mother was proud of (and perhaps still in love with) this genteel white man who gave her a s
Safety and shame are two reasons also why I believe he makes his choice. He felt embarrassed by his decision of passing as a white, but shame was not enough of a factor to change his mind. He felt a sense of ease and comfort knowing that nobody knew his true self. He also felt as if he belonged in the white society because he was well educated unlike most, of the black culture. The narrator thinks, "Perhaps what bravery I exercised in going out was due to the fact I felt sure my identity as a colored man had not yet become known in town." (p.850). This was while witnessing a devastating lynching. This was the turning point when the ex colored man realized he was safer being on the side of the whites then being against them. He reverses his original course of being a proud black and focuses on passing for white. In doing so, he travels and becomes a wealthy man, yet he still struggles with his decision. The central character dreams of, "bringing glory and honor to the Negro race." (p.788) But in reality, he surrenders to the more self-serving choice of "passing" and neglects his black half. His millionaire friend, who exerts one of the greatest influences of all on him, makes the choices quite clear. "My boy, you are by blood, by appearance, by education and by tastes, a white man. Now why do you want to throw your life away amidst the poverty an
Some common words found in the essay are:
American Literature, Weldon Johnson, central character, ex colored, causes lead, passing white, live black, black race, choice passing, white central,
Approximate Word count = 918
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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