Literary Analysis Essay
As we have seen, the Harlem Renaissance represented an explosion of Black cultural,
economic, and political activity. Fifty years after emancipation, African-Americans were
still struggling for equality and acceptance from white America. The events, writings,
music, theater, and literature of the period represented a desire to forge a new identity and
find a place in American democracy.
Using the essays and literature in your packet, you will write an analysis that focuses on
one of the following important themes of this period.
 Dubois’ theory of double-consciousness
 The purpose of Art for African-Americans: propaganda or to represent
reality
 New Negro Identity (assimilation & integration vs. celebration of common
man and folk forms)
 Alienation from mainstream society through discrimination
Your essay must include ideas/quotes from at least two of the following essays and
apply your understanding of these ideas to two poems or one short story.
Excerpts from The Souls of Black Folk (in “Songs of the Seventh Son”) – W.E.B
Dubois
“Criteria of Negro Art” – W.E.B. Dubois
“The New Negro Identity” – Alain Locke
“When the Negro was in Vogue” – Langston Hughes
“The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain” –Langston Hughes
Although much of your essay will focus on the examination of one of these topics during
the 1920’s, you should also include your opinion of how this has played out in the eighty
odd years since. What has been the impact on today’s Black Arts culture, and race
relations? How has, what was begun in the 1920’s, continued into today?
Essay Summaries:
“Song of the Seventh Son” containing excerpts from Dubois’ book, The Souls of Black
Folks on Double-Consciousness – Dubois believes all Blacks face the problem of being
American and Negro and unable to unite the two into one identity. This is due to
discrimination and alienation in American society. It is due to White America’s view of
African-Americans – stereotypical roles that blacks are forced to occupy. It is influenced
by the approval or disapproval given to Black Arts in America. The goal is to find a way
to merge “double-consciousness” into a “better and truer self” that retains their unique
cultural identity.
“Criteria of Negro Art” –In this essay Dubois disputes the perceived inferiority of Black
Art. He also believes that the answer to the “color problem” is in the new recognition
given to Black artists. White publishers only want writing that supports stereotypes.
Blacks must recognize the value of their own art regardless of the white reaction to it.
All Black art should seek to portray beauty and truth to gain “universal understanding.”
“All art is propaganda and ever must be.”
“The New Negro Identity” –“For generations in the mind of America, the Negro has been
more of a formula than a human being.” Until the Renaissance even Blacks lacked an
understanding of who they were. Locke calls for the development of racial pride and
consciousness. He believes that racial integration and intellectual curiosity will bring a
new understanding of the American Negro. Contact between the upper classes of both
races is leading to a new more accurate portrayal of African-Americans. This is the
manifesto for the Talented Tenth.
“When the Negro was in Vogue” – In this essay, Langton Hughes reminisces about the
Harlem Renaissance. He says that white interest and patronage of Black clubs and artists
was not appreciated by most Blacks. It causes Blacks to alter their art to please whites.
Some thought that this new interest in Black culture would lead to tolerance, but it didn’t.
In fact, Hughes says it had very little impact on “ordinary Negroes.”
“The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain” – Hughes believes that “true Negro art”
must resist the urge “towards whiteness.” The Black upper and middle classes value
more white art and behavior and are ashamed of black lower classes. He believes that it
is in the lower classes that material for artists interested in maintaining a true racial
identity lies. Black artists are torn between members of their own race who want them to
only portray them in a positive light and whites who want them to reinforce old
stereotypes. He calls on younger Negro artists “to express [their] individual darkskinned selves without fear or shame.”
Summaries of the Short Stories & Personal Essay
“Drenched in Light” – The story of Isis Watts a spirited little girl in the South who shirks
her responsibilities to play, sing, and dance. She is constantly getting in trouble with her
grandmother until the end when a white couple wants to take her to the city with them for
the evening.
“The Typewriter” – a Boston janitor who moved North in search of freedom, opportunity,
and wealth feels trapped in a life of hard work, and poverty with no prospect for
improvement. His only joy comes as he begins to fantasize about being a powerful
businessman.
“How it Feels to Be Colored Me” – It was only when sent to an integrated city that she
learned to be colored. Believes that strength of character will overcome discrimination
and enjoys the increased attention the race has received. Hurston recognizes that blacks
and whites act and experience some things differently, but that inside we are all basically
the same.
This will be an extended literary analysis and will be worth 110 points in the writing
category. All of the work towards the final draft will be included in this category as
well, which is 25% of your marking period grade!