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

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The central character dreams of, "bringing glory and honor to the Negro race. He also felt as if he belonged in the white society because he was well educated unlike most, of the black culture. He felt a sense of ease and comfort knowing that nobody knew his true self.

Another large reason was for money. A happiness, that frankly would not have afforded him if had he gone through life being true to himself

Safety and shame are two reasons also why I believe he makes his choice. His pretty and intelligent mother, his sole parent, made her way in the world by connecting her destiny to that of a white man's. The narrator knew if he were to go and live in the black community he would have difficulty amounting to anything of importance. He reverses his original course of being a proud black and focuses on passing for white. He wanted to be well recognized musically, and get paid properly for it. Instead he settles and adapts to his conditions. 834) His wealthy companion persisted on how his music will never be recognized if he is portrayed as a Negro and that his life will be miserable. 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.

Common topics in this essay:
American Literature, Weldon Johnson, central character, ex colored, choice passing, passing white, live black, black race, causes lead, white central,

Approximate Word count = 918
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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