Habibat Oguntade
AP English III
Period 2
1/19/2010
The Souls of Black Folk
Question 2
In the first chapter of this book, Du Bois shares is childhood experience with the readers, in order to illustrate the differences that he noticed between himself and the white folks, as well as how he had felt inferior to their race. Du Bois construes his opinion about the division of African Americans from the rest of American society; their encounters as slaves, as well as the discrimination, anguish and disrespect they had to go through. They were deprived of every imaginable privilege. Freedom especially. Their lives were made miserable by the slave owners who had no mercy on them. De Bois shares is own personal experiences and point of views in this piece of literature, creating a mood of sympathy for his audience.
“I held all beyond in common contempt, and lived above in it in a region of blue sky and great wondering shadows. The sky was the bluest when I could beat my mates at examination time, or beat them at a foot race, or even beat their stringy heads………for the word o longed for, and their dazzling opportunities where theirs, not mine” (Du Bois 896). This quote is basically saying people’s efforts were in vain, and they were never able to get any recognition for the outstanding things they deed, some they even did better than the white people, who believe they have it all to themselves. Despite all the terrible conditions he had to face, Du Bois remained determined and motivated. He remained optimistic, with the hope of scaling through every obstacle and hardship, and becoming successful one day. This part of him creates a sympathetic mood for readers, especially the fact that he was still pretty young
Through their experiences, African Americans realized who they really were. Discrimination was clearly shown to them. They couldn’t do things that the white people did, their opinions died within them as they had no right to make any suggestions or voice out their emotions. They didn’t recall the fact that they were black, until they were being discriminated and segregated .
“ The exchange was merry till one girl, a tall newcomer, refused my card,- refused it peremptorily, with a glance. Then it dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others; or like mayhap, in heart and life and longing ,but shut out from their world by a vast veil to creep through” (Du Bois 44). This quote construes part of social realism, because readers can infer that the speaker is beginning to face reality, as he noticed he is quite different from the people around him and he might be facing some type of social or to be precise, racial discrimination. This kind of man Vs. society conflict generally weakens the individual, and there is always a probability that it will in some areas affect such individual for the rest of their lives.
Question 3
In the third chapter of the book “ Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others,” Du Bois expressing is feeling of opposition towards Washington’s beliefs and ideas. Du Bois provides a list of Washington’s agenda for black folks and describes how they might have a negative impact on the progress of black folks. First, Du Bois construes the consequences of submission that Washington’s belief in reconciliation with the south, which may lead to Southern superiority complex over black folks. Seconds, he explains Washington’s belief in vocational learning, rather than liberal arts, which Du Bois believed will hinder Black folks from having enough experience to reach for higher positions. Third, Du Bois opposes Washington’s idea of disregarding black folks’ right to vote, but instead working towards economic stability. Du Bois believed that will deprive black folk from what they deserved, as lack of voting rights will not enable them to have any say in issues concerning the economy.
“Washington distinctly asks that black people give up, at least for the present three things – first political power, second insistence on civil rights, third higher education of negro youth , and concentrate all on energies on industrial education and accumulation of wealth, and the conciliation of the south” (Du Bois 51). Washington wanted African Americans to be productive and bring their intellect upon something that is needed to be done, and can be permitted to do in their residual environments, with the hope of eventually winning white acceptance if they were able to succeed economically. He believed it would be of a great advantage if the North South and the African Americans come together as one. On the contrary, Du Bois felt Washington’s idea will be degrading to the black folks, as reconciliation with the south would make them feel submissive, as well as inferior to the white people.
This dramatic list of Washington’s opinion lay great emphasis on their meaning, as it will enable readers to focus, understand and digest the pros and cons of the Washington’s opinion. By proceeding from sequence to paradox to refutation, as he encounters Washington’s fame and influence, Du Bois creates a tone of predicament, leaving readers in a dilemma of either thinking Washington’s ideas were outstanding, or they would just encumber black folks from attaining progress.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Atlanta Exposition Address
Habibat Oguntade
Ap English III
Period 2
1/12/10
The Atlanta Exposition Address
In this detailed autobiography, Booker T. Washington shares is experience with his audience, and gives them an understanding of certain things he believed in and why he made certain suggestions. He was invited to be a representative of the negro race at the Atlanta exposition. Booker T. Washington gave the address with great confidence and enthusiasm, with the hope of creating a new era of industrial progress. Washington believed that the north, south and negro race should amalgamate and work together, towards achieving progress.
Washington tried as much as possible in order to make the negro race reconcile with the south. “I but convey to you, Mr. President and Directors, the sentiment of the masses of my race when I say that in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of this magnificent Exposition at every stage of its progress. It is a recognition that will do more to cement the friendship of the two races than any occurrence since the dawn of our freedom.” Washington tried to create a bond between the negros and the southerners. He believed that this would enable them to offer assistance to each other, whenever their assistance is needed. This would help stimulate various things, even the economy.
Booker T. Washington didn’t believe African Americans should be striving for high political positions. Not that he didn’t want them to be educated, but he thought positions like that may require a lot more then what the African Americans know. He then advised them to go on with agriculture, hopefully, they will be able to attain some economic stability, thereby gaining the love of the southereners. Washington seemd like a honest, trustworthy and confident individual. He knew there would be no progress, as people still continue to be disloyal. “Dr. Lyman Abbott, then the pastor of Plymouth Church, and also editor of the Outlook (then the Christian Union), asked me to write a letter for his paper giving my opinion of the exact condition, mental and moral, of the colored ministers in the South, as based upon my observations. I wrote the letter, giving the exact facts as I conceived them to be. The picture painted was a rather black one—or, since I am black, shall I say “white”? It could not be otherwise with a race but a few years out of slavery, a race which had not had time or opportunity to produce a competent ministry What I said soon reached every Negro minister in the country, I think, and the letters of condemnation which I received from them were not few. I think that for a year after the publication of this article every association and every conference or religious body of any kind, of my race, that met, did not fail before adjourning to pass a resolution condemning me, or calling upon me to retract or modify what I had said. Many of these organizations went so far in their resolutions as to advise parents to cease sending their children to Tuskegee” Washington criticized those ministers with confidence, with the hope that it will straightened them out. Lots of them didn’t like that idea, but they couldn’t really do nothing, because his criticism was not false.
Ap English III
Period 2
1/12/10
The Atlanta Exposition Address
In this detailed autobiography, Booker T. Washington shares is experience with his audience, and gives them an understanding of certain things he believed in and why he made certain suggestions. He was invited to be a representative of the negro race at the Atlanta exposition. Booker T. Washington gave the address with great confidence and enthusiasm, with the hope of creating a new era of industrial progress. Washington believed that the north, south and negro race should amalgamate and work together, towards achieving progress.
Washington tried as much as possible in order to make the negro race reconcile with the south. “I but convey to you, Mr. President and Directors, the sentiment of the masses of my race when I say that in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of this magnificent Exposition at every stage of its progress. It is a recognition that will do more to cement the friendship of the two races than any occurrence since the dawn of our freedom.” Washington tried to create a bond between the negros and the southerners. He believed that this would enable them to offer assistance to each other, whenever their assistance is needed. This would help stimulate various things, even the economy.
Booker T. Washington didn’t believe African Americans should be striving for high political positions. Not that he didn’t want them to be educated, but he thought positions like that may require a lot more then what the African Americans know. He then advised them to go on with agriculture, hopefully, they will be able to attain some economic stability, thereby gaining the love of the southereners. Washington seemd like a honest, trustworthy and confident individual. He knew there would be no progress, as people still continue to be disloyal. “Dr. Lyman Abbott, then the pastor of Plymouth Church, and also editor of the Outlook (then the Christian Union), asked me to write a letter for his paper giving my opinion of the exact condition, mental and moral, of the colored ministers in the South, as based upon my observations. I wrote the letter, giving the exact facts as I conceived them to be. The picture painted was a rather black one—or, since I am black, shall I say “white”? It could not be otherwise with a race but a few years out of slavery, a race which had not had time or opportunity to produce a competent ministry What I said soon reached every Negro minister in the country, I think, and the letters of condemnation which I received from them were not few. I think that for a year after the publication of this article every association and every conference or religious body of any kind, of my race, that met, did not fail before adjourning to pass a resolution condemning me, or calling upon me to retract or modify what I had said. Many of these organizations went so far in their resolutions as to advise parents to cease sending their children to Tuskegee” Washington criticized those ministers with confidence, with the hope that it will straightened them out. Lots of them didn’t like that idea, but they couldn’t really do nothing, because his criticism was not false.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Of the Black Belt
Habibat Oguntade
Ap English III
Period 2
Ms Brown
Of the Black Belt
After reading this chapter of the book, readers are able to get a better understanding of the conditions that made life terrible for the African Americans. The black belt is a region of southeastern Alabama, and it is mostly seen as the region in the American south characterized by a high percentage of African American. Even though it was a lot of them there, life wasn’t too good. They had to work constantly in order to provide for their families. Most people were uneducated, they lived with abject poverty, most of them just stay optimistic and with for the best. Du Bois really focuses on the most important part of this story, which has to do with how black people went through different forms of anguish , in order to survive in their environment.
There were no exemptions for people back then “Here sits a pretty blue eye quadroon, hiding her bare feet: she was married only last week and yonder in the field is her dark young husband hoeing to support her, at thirty cents a day without board” (Du Bois 171). Despite the fact that this couple just got married, they still had to till the soil and cultivation. Instead of thinking about honey moon, and spending their time alone, like every newlyweds usually. This is just to show that everyone was completely responsible for their own survival, and they didn’t have anyone to depend on. With all these difficulties, racial discrimination was still a big deal. “ the black folks say that only colored boys are sent to jail, and they not because they are guilty, but because the state needs criminals to eke out its income by their forced labor” (Du Bois 118). African American were naturally brought into the USA as a labor force. This stopped, because it has been noticed that land owners obtain increased income, as a result of increased labor. The more you put in the more you get back.
Another common thing about this chapter, is the description of African American employment. Most people where involved in farming. Cotton seemed to be was the most lucrative one. Several people were growing cotton. African Americans got wiser almost every day and they decided not to take insults and degradation from one. “Let a white man touch, and he dies: I don’t boast this,- but I mean it. I have seen them whip my father and my old mother in them cotton-rolls till the blood ran: by” (Du Bois 1-12). African Americas finally got up to disregard with disrespect. The way the whites treated them was miserable, and life just could go on like that. So African Americans had to own up to their responsibilities, and prove to the white that they are not just people they could say anything, and do anything to.
Ap English III
Period 2
Ms Brown
Of the Black Belt
After reading this chapter of the book, readers are able to get a better understanding of the conditions that made life terrible for the African Americans. The black belt is a region of southeastern Alabama, and it is mostly seen as the region in the American south characterized by a high percentage of African American. Even though it was a lot of them there, life wasn’t too good. They had to work constantly in order to provide for their families. Most people were uneducated, they lived with abject poverty, most of them just stay optimistic and with for the best. Du Bois really focuses on the most important part of this story, which has to do with how black people went through different forms of anguish , in order to survive in their environment.
There were no exemptions for people back then “Here sits a pretty blue eye quadroon, hiding her bare feet: she was married only last week and yonder in the field is her dark young husband hoeing to support her, at thirty cents a day without board” (Du Bois 171). Despite the fact that this couple just got married, they still had to till the soil and cultivation. Instead of thinking about honey moon, and spending their time alone, like every newlyweds usually. This is just to show that everyone was completely responsible for their own survival, and they didn’t have anyone to depend on. With all these difficulties, racial discrimination was still a big deal. “ the black folks say that only colored boys are sent to jail, and they not because they are guilty, but because the state needs criminals to eke out its income by their forced labor” (Du Bois 118). African American were naturally brought into the USA as a labor force. This stopped, because it has been noticed that land owners obtain increased income, as a result of increased labor. The more you put in the more you get back.
Another common thing about this chapter, is the description of African American employment. Most people where involved in farming. Cotton seemed to be was the most lucrative one. Several people were growing cotton. African Americans got wiser almost every day and they decided not to take insults and degradation from one. “Let a white man touch, and he dies: I don’t boast this,- but I mean it. I have seen them whip my father and my old mother in them cotton-rolls till the blood ran: by” (Du Bois 1-12). African Americas finally got up to disregard with disrespect. The way the whites treated them was miserable, and life just could go on like that. So African Americans had to own up to their responsibilities, and prove to the white that they are not just people they could say anything, and do anything to.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Forethought : of Booker T. Washington and others, Of The Meaning of Progress.
Habibat Ogunade
Ap English III
1/09/2010
Ms Brown
The Forethought : of Booker T. Washington and others,
The Meaning of Progress.
In the third chapter of the souls of black folk , Du Bois construes his opinion about Booker T. Washington, and some other individuals, but his details and in-depth explanation were mostly centered around Booker T. Washington. Even though Washington was a highly respected individual, there were still some people who did not agree with him, and didn’t believe in his opinions and suggestions. This chapter tells us about the beliefs of Washington, how his opinions had been greatly criticized, and even leaves us in a dilemma of supporting him or opposing him.
Washington wanted people to set aside their desire for political equality and focus on building economic security, by gaining vocational skills. “Washington distinctly asks that black people give up, at least for the present three things – first political power, second insistence on civil rights, third higher education of negro youth , and concentrate all on energies on industrial education and accumulation of wealth, and the conciliation of the south” (Du Bois 51). Washington wanted African Americans to be productive and bring their intellect upon something that is needed to be done, and can be permitted to do in their residual environments, with the hope of eventually winning white acceptance if they were able to succeed economically. He believed it would be of a great advantage if the North South and the African Americans come together as one. “ Booker T. Washington arose as essentially the leader not of one race but of two – a compromiser between the south, the north and the negro. Naturally, the Negros resented, at first bitterly signs of compromise which surrendered their even though it was to be exchanged for longer chances of economic development” (Du Bois 50). Washington believed in team work . If they could reconcile and work together, then African Americans, Southerners and Northerners would be able to achieve their desired goals, but the African Americans were not a party to that idea, as they believed it would make them become submissive which they considered degradation.
They would not want to be belittled,, even though it might later be of benefit to them. Despite the fact that Washington was seen as one of the most respectable figures in the nation, not everyone agreed with his policies. Some people believed certain things should be done in a completely different way, than how Washington thought it should be done. On the other, Washington was not after all a terrible individual, even though he had various opponents, some people still understood him and realized that he had good intentions and he did everything for the benefit of the people. After all, it is said that no one can satisfy the world. Regardless of how hard you try, you will still have some people that will be against you.
In chapter four, Du Bois provides a warm passionate tale of his experience teaching in a small schoolhouse, with the hope of progressing. This chapter is a bit different from the previous chapters, because it helps readers to visualize exactly what was going on during that time. Achieving progress was not a very easy task, as it brought about various negative effects on the lives of various individuals.
“I feel the deep weariness of heart and limb, as ten eight six miles stretch relentlessly ahead, I feel my heart sink heavily as I hear again and again “ Got a teacher ? Yes” (Du Bois 61). This quote help readers imagine how difficult it had been to seek employment as a teacher and promote education back then. Readers will develop a sympathetic tone towards Du Bois, as his details let us know that he went through various difficulties in seeking for a job, which is part of progressivism. Du Bois wished things were not as hard as they were during that time. “ how shall man measure progress there where the dark-faced Josie lies? How many heartfulls of sorrow shall balance a bushel of wheat?” (Du Bois 72). This quote displays a tone of bewilderment Du Bois’ use of rhetorical questions shows that he is perplexed. He wonders why people had to go through several difficulties. He felt progressivism should be easier and more convenient to achieve, but people had to go through a large amount of hardship, in order to gain progress. This quote brings readers back to the name of this chapter “Of the meaning of progress.
Ap English III
1/09/2010
Ms Brown
The Forethought : of Booker T. Washington and others,
The Meaning of Progress.
In the third chapter of the souls of black folk , Du Bois construes his opinion about Booker T. Washington, and some other individuals, but his details and in-depth explanation were mostly centered around Booker T. Washington. Even though Washington was a highly respected individual, there were still some people who did not agree with him, and didn’t believe in his opinions and suggestions. This chapter tells us about the beliefs of Washington, how his opinions had been greatly criticized, and even leaves us in a dilemma of supporting him or opposing him.
Washington wanted people to set aside their desire for political equality and focus on building economic security, by gaining vocational skills. “Washington distinctly asks that black people give up, at least for the present three things – first political power, second insistence on civil rights, third higher education of negro youth , and concentrate all on energies on industrial education and accumulation of wealth, and the conciliation of the south” (Du Bois 51). Washington wanted African Americans to be productive and bring their intellect upon something that is needed to be done, and can be permitted to do in their residual environments, with the hope of eventually winning white acceptance if they were able to succeed economically. He believed it would be of a great advantage if the North South and the African Americans come together as one. “ Booker T. Washington arose as essentially the leader not of one race but of two – a compromiser between the south, the north and the negro. Naturally, the Negros resented, at first bitterly signs of compromise which surrendered their even though it was to be exchanged for longer chances of economic development” (Du Bois 50). Washington believed in team work . If they could reconcile and work together, then African Americans, Southerners and Northerners would be able to achieve their desired goals, but the African Americans were not a party to that idea, as they believed it would make them become submissive which they considered degradation.
They would not want to be belittled,, even though it might later be of benefit to them. Despite the fact that Washington was seen as one of the most respectable figures in the nation, not everyone agreed with his policies. Some people believed certain things should be done in a completely different way, than how Washington thought it should be done. On the other, Washington was not after all a terrible individual, even though he had various opponents, some people still understood him and realized that he had good intentions and he did everything for the benefit of the people. After all, it is said that no one can satisfy the world. Regardless of how hard you try, you will still have some people that will be against you.
In chapter four, Du Bois provides a warm passionate tale of his experience teaching in a small schoolhouse, with the hope of progressing. This chapter is a bit different from the previous chapters, because it helps readers to visualize exactly what was going on during that time. Achieving progress was not a very easy task, as it brought about various negative effects on the lives of various individuals.
“I feel the deep weariness of heart and limb, as ten eight six miles stretch relentlessly ahead, I feel my heart sink heavily as I hear again and again “ Got a teacher ? Yes” (Du Bois 61). This quote help readers imagine how difficult it had been to seek employment as a teacher and promote education back then. Readers will develop a sympathetic tone towards Du Bois, as his details let us know that he went through various difficulties in seeking for a job, which is part of progressivism. Du Bois wished things were not as hard as they were during that time. “ how shall man measure progress there where the dark-faced Josie lies? How many heartfulls of sorrow shall balance a bushel of wheat?” (Du Bois 72). This quote displays a tone of bewilderment Du Bois’ use of rhetorical questions shows that he is perplexed. He wonders why people had to go through several difficulties. He felt progressivism should be easier and more convenient to achieve, but people had to go through a large amount of hardship, in order to gain progress. This quote brings readers back to the name of this chapter “Of the meaning of progress.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Of Our Spiritual Strivings
Habibat Oguntade
Ap English III
Period 2
Ms Brown
Of Our Spiritual Strivings
In the first chapter of The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. De Bois construes his opinion about the division of African Americans from the rest of American society; their encounters as slaves, as well as the discrimination, anguish and disrespect they had to go through. These individuals were deprived of every imaginable privilege. Freedom especially. Their lives were made miserable by the slave owners who had no mercy on them. The anguish they had to go through seems unimaginable, as no one in these present day can bear what they went through. De Bois shares is own personal experiences and point of views in this piece of literature, creating a mood of sympathy for his audience.
Through their experiences, African Americans realized who they really were. Discrimination was clearly shown to them. They couldn’t do things that the white people did, their opinions died within them as they had no right to make any suggestions or voice out their emotions. They didn’t recall the fact that they were black, until they were being discriminated and segregated . “ The exchange was merry till one girl, a tall newcomer, refused my card,- refused it peremptorily, with a glance. Then it dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others; or like mayhap, in heart and life and longing ,but shut out from their world by a vast veil to creep through” (Du Bois 44). This quote construes part of social realism, because readers can infer that the speaker is beginning to face reality, as he noticed he is quite different from the people around him and he might be facing some type of social or to be precise, racial discrimination. This kind of man Vs. society conflict generally weakens the individual, and there is always a probability that it will in some areas affect such individual for the rest of their lives.
Despite the fact that things didn’t go well, as they would have wishes, African Americans were able to endure, persevere, and remain as strong as they could, to overcome every obstacle that stood in their way. “ in those somber forest, of his striving is own soul before him, and he saw himself some faint revelation of his own power, of his mission” (Du Bois 49). African Americans suffered a great deal in trying to become better than what they were. Despite all the anguish, disrespect, discrimination and other terrible condition they had faced, they still endured and completely believed in themselves . They would strife hard and never relent on their effort, until they achieved their goals of becoming successful.
Becoming Americanized was difficult for the Africans. It wasn’t easy to eliminate their heritage in order to be accepted by the society. “He would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that negro blood has a message for the world” (Du Bois 45). Du Bois wasn’t embarrassed by the fact that he was black. He had pride in his race, and he didn’t feel inferior from the white people . The Africans wanted to keep their own heritage, but at the same time learn what white America had to offer to the Africans, without being submissive and compliant. He believed in his race and was optimistic about his belief that African Americans will become great one day. Obama being the president of the US now, is an example of Du Bois dream that Negro blood has a message for the world.
Du Bois believed that African American should seek for knowledge, and try to leave up to the standard of white people , with the hope that they would become successful, and prove their capabilities to the white people . “It was the deal of ‘book learning’ , the curiosity born of compulsory ignorance to know and test the power of cabalistic letters …..steep and rugged, but leading to heights high enough to overlook life” (Du Bois 49). Du Bois sees education as the best legacy, even though it was a difficult goal to achieve. However it will forever be a great advantage without regrets, to the African Americans.
In conclusion, Du Bois’ strong believe in his race enables him to set high standards for the African Americans. He remained optimistic and believed they could always do better, and reach great heights. He believed they will one day be able to gain superiority over the white people, provided they can work towards it. This goal of fighting for African American right with the means of educating themselves, is a topic that differentiates Du Bois from Booker T. Washington, till this present day.
Ap English III
Period 2
Ms Brown
Of Our Spiritual Strivings
In the first chapter of The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. De Bois construes his opinion about the division of African Americans from the rest of American society; their encounters as slaves, as well as the discrimination, anguish and disrespect they had to go through. These individuals were deprived of every imaginable privilege. Freedom especially. Their lives were made miserable by the slave owners who had no mercy on them. The anguish they had to go through seems unimaginable, as no one in these present day can bear what they went through. De Bois shares is own personal experiences and point of views in this piece of literature, creating a mood of sympathy for his audience.
Through their experiences, African Americans realized who they really were. Discrimination was clearly shown to them. They couldn’t do things that the white people did, their opinions died within them as they had no right to make any suggestions or voice out their emotions. They didn’t recall the fact that they were black, until they were being discriminated and segregated . “ The exchange was merry till one girl, a tall newcomer, refused my card,- refused it peremptorily, with a glance. Then it dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others; or like mayhap, in heart and life and longing ,but shut out from their world by a vast veil to creep through” (Du Bois 44). This quote construes part of social realism, because readers can infer that the speaker is beginning to face reality, as he noticed he is quite different from the people around him and he might be facing some type of social or to be precise, racial discrimination. This kind of man Vs. society conflict generally weakens the individual, and there is always a probability that it will in some areas affect such individual for the rest of their lives.
Despite the fact that things didn’t go well, as they would have wishes, African Americans were able to endure, persevere, and remain as strong as they could, to overcome every obstacle that stood in their way. “ in those somber forest, of his striving is own soul before him, and he saw himself some faint revelation of his own power, of his mission” (Du Bois 49). African Americans suffered a great deal in trying to become better than what they were. Despite all the anguish, disrespect, discrimination and other terrible condition they had faced, they still endured and completely believed in themselves . They would strife hard and never relent on their effort, until they achieved their goals of becoming successful.
Becoming Americanized was difficult for the Africans. It wasn’t easy to eliminate their heritage in order to be accepted by the society. “He would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that negro blood has a message for the world” (Du Bois 45). Du Bois wasn’t embarrassed by the fact that he was black. He had pride in his race, and he didn’t feel inferior from the white people . The Africans wanted to keep their own heritage, but at the same time learn what white America had to offer to the Africans, without being submissive and compliant. He believed in his race and was optimistic about his belief that African Americans will become great one day. Obama being the president of the US now, is an example of Du Bois dream that Negro blood has a message for the world.
Du Bois believed that African American should seek for knowledge, and try to leave up to the standard of white people , with the hope that they would become successful, and prove their capabilities to the white people . “It was the deal of ‘book learning’ , the curiosity born of compulsory ignorance to know and test the power of cabalistic letters …..steep and rugged, but leading to heights high enough to overlook life” (Du Bois 49). Du Bois sees education as the best legacy, even though it was a difficult goal to achieve. However it will forever be a great advantage without regrets, to the African Americans.
In conclusion, Du Bois’ strong believe in his race enables him to set high standards for the African Americans. He remained optimistic and believed they could always do better, and reach great heights. He believed they will one day be able to gain superiority over the white people, provided they can work towards it. This goal of fighting for African American right with the means of educating themselves, is a topic that differentiates Du Bois from Booker T. Washington, till this present day.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Jumping Frog
Habibat Oguntade
Ap English III
11/30/09
The Jumping Frog : In Respect To Realism
Realism is a very natural form of writing because readers see situations that are very possible. Here, readers can make connections between the characters and themselves. Compared to Romanticism which is understood to be not so genuine in existence and much intricate to understand. Realism has a reasonable plot with which would don’t be as complex to understand. Most characters have colloquial dialects, which makes them more factual, in comparison to other stories, especially in terms of romanticism, where characters have their own distinct or linguistic dialects. “The Jumping Frog” is a very good example of one of the many stories that represents realism. The plot itself is very real, as the events that occur can happen to anyone. The setting of the story is a common one, as there are many situations, where various people leave in small towns. Also the use of vivid imagery helps readers to imagine exactly what the characters look like, without second guessing themselves. Twain construes the gist of realism, in the story, by making it as simple as possible, so that readers will be able to understand it as well as enjoy it at the same time.
If compared to many other stories, it can be said that The Jumping Frog is very straight forward and understandable. The Scarlet Letter will be a good story to be compared with The Jumping Frog. Rarely do we see people been put in jail, for having extramarital affairs, even though it might occur in certain parts of the nation. It is exceptionally unusual , for us to walk down the street and see someone walk past with a Scarlet letter on their bosom. On the other hand, it is very common to hear about people who bet on everything “ Well I’ll resk two-and-a-half, that she don’t anyway” (Twain). In this quote, Smiley bet that his wife might not be recovering from her illness, and this just shows the kind of individual he is. Another example is Pearl, in scarlet letter. It is very unusual, to hear about someone being demonic, or supernatural, even though some individuals do posses qualities like that, but in very rare occasions will you hear about or see them. Another important literary device used to construe realism in this story is dialect. Most languages or vernacular are informal, which gives the story complete verisimilitude. The use of words like thy, doth, thou, e.t.c. has been eliminated and substituted with simpler words. Realism writing calls for everything natural, as everyone talks in a straight-forward manner. The difference between the two forms of writing are very apparent. Romanticism is quite different from this, which can be easily noticed, by reading both types of writings after the other, to compare and contrast between them.
In conclusion, Twain construes the gist of realism, in the story, by making it as simple as possible, so that readers will be able to understand it as well as enjoy it at the same time. The overall story is self-explanatory, because it is very easy to assimilate, which is an advantage to the readers. It also helps them see the difference between realism and other forms of literature.
Ap English III
11/30/09
The Jumping Frog : In Respect To Realism
Realism is a very natural form of writing because readers see situations that are very possible. Here, readers can make connections between the characters and themselves. Compared to Romanticism which is understood to be not so genuine in existence and much intricate to understand. Realism has a reasonable plot with which would don’t be as complex to understand. Most characters have colloquial dialects, which makes them more factual, in comparison to other stories, especially in terms of romanticism, where characters have their own distinct or linguistic dialects. “The Jumping Frog” is a very good example of one of the many stories that represents realism. The plot itself is very real, as the events that occur can happen to anyone. The setting of the story is a common one, as there are many situations, where various people leave in small towns. Also the use of vivid imagery helps readers to imagine exactly what the characters look like, without second guessing themselves. Twain construes the gist of realism, in the story, by making it as simple as possible, so that readers will be able to understand it as well as enjoy it at the same time.
If compared to many other stories, it can be said that The Jumping Frog is very straight forward and understandable. The Scarlet Letter will be a good story to be compared with The Jumping Frog. Rarely do we see people been put in jail, for having extramarital affairs, even though it might occur in certain parts of the nation. It is exceptionally unusual , for us to walk down the street and see someone walk past with a Scarlet letter on their bosom. On the other hand, it is very common to hear about people who bet on everything “ Well I’ll resk two-and-a-half, that she don’t anyway” (Twain). In this quote, Smiley bet that his wife might not be recovering from her illness, and this just shows the kind of individual he is. Another example is Pearl, in scarlet letter. It is very unusual, to hear about someone being demonic, or supernatural, even though some individuals do posses qualities like that, but in very rare occasions will you hear about or see them. Another important literary device used to construe realism in this story is dialect. Most languages or vernacular are informal, which gives the story complete verisimilitude. The use of words like thy, doth, thou, e.t.c. has been eliminated and substituted with simpler words. Realism writing calls for everything natural, as everyone talks in a straight-forward manner. The difference between the two forms of writing are very apparent. Romanticism is quite different from this, which can be easily noticed, by reading both types of writings after the other, to compare and contrast between them.
In conclusion, Twain construes the gist of realism, in the story, by making it as simple as possible, so that readers will be able to understand it as well as enjoy it at the same time. The overall story is self-explanatory, because it is very easy to assimilate, which is an advantage to the readers. It also helps them see the difference between realism and other forms of literature.
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