The Souls Of Black Folk

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.