Post character, plot, and thematic information for the short essays you read from The Norton Anthology
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W.E. B. DuBois Exam Study Pages 1710 – 1719 Norton Anthology
• W.E.B. DuBois was born free in 1868 in Massachusetts, and this greatly shaped his views on how African Americans should be treated. • He greatly differed from Booker T. Washington’s views and told people so in this essay • He felt that blacks should not stand for 2nd class citizenship and that they should not treat their oppressors with ‘submission’ o He said that this tactic was not working and so they should try something else • He was not entirely against Washington o Agreed with the parts that would advance African Americans o But said that they should not stick with him when he allows injustice Therefore he didn’t agree with allowing the voting inequality to occur while blacks increased their wealth and training • He deeply cared about the right to vote, social equality and access to good education • He generally was less satisfied with where the African American peoples had gotten then Washington and wanted to keep on pushing forward
Works Cited
DuBois, W.E.B. “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Edited. Nina Baym. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2003. 1710-1719. print. Hynes, Gerald, C. "A Biographical Sketch." W.E.B. DuBois learning center. W.E.B. DuBois learning center, Web. 9 Dec 2009. Rachel Y
Ella C (Hour 5) Ralph Waldo Emerson “Self-Reliance” Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was a Unitarian Minister and was a large part of the Transcendentalist movement, believing that the achievement of spirituality comes from nature. He gave up his position within the church to devote his life to other things. Themes of “Self-Reliance:” Self-Reliance You only benefit from your own work and do not truly benefit from others. Trust in yourself, and your own moral judgment and you will be right. Many people think the same thing as you and you must trust in yourself and ask the questions that you are afraid to ask. Religion Finding your own religious and spiritual beliefs is rewarding, but mindlessly following and listening to what others tell you is correct is not true spirituality—you do not gain anything from it but dissatisfaction. Society Only the people that dictate society gain from it, everyone else looses what they have given to it in order to become part of it. (Society creates bland and unoriginal thought) Society’s beliefs are stagnant and do not drive and individual towards greatness, or self-realization. True social order only can come from everyone’s satisfaction with themselves and the abandonment of conformity.
Works Cited Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 538-556. Print.
“Ralph Waldo Emerson: 1803-1882.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 538-556. Print.
“Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members” (Emerson 541).
“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” (Emerson 542).
These two quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, “Self Reliance,” summarize a few key beliefs of the transcendentalists, a group for social change in the 1800’s. Emerson believed that man and society’s greatest weakness was human nature, human’s natural inclination to conform to societal norms. Both of these quotes encourage not isolation, but independence. Emerson valued the ability to make decisions based on personal values, not what our society says is right. Progress is fueled by varying ideas, personalities and beliefs. When humans embrace their beliefs without conforming to the societal norms, then our culture and humanity become rich and diverse. Unfortunately Emerson would most likely be appalled with the new ways American culture has created self-doubt and lack of originality as societal norms are endorsed and unique individuality is frowned upon. In Emerson’s ideal world, humans would feel free to embrace their culture and beliefs without fear of society rejecting them.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 538-556. Print.
“The black men of America have a duty to perform, a duty stern and delicate, - a forward movement to oppose a part of the work of their greatest leader. So far as Mr. Washington preaches Thrift, Patience, and Industrial Training for the masses, we must hold up his hands and strive with him, rejoicing in his honors and glorying in the strength of this Joshua called of God and of man to lead the headless host. But so far as Mr. Washington apologizes for injustice, North or South, does not rightly value the privilege and duty of voting, belittles the emasculating effects of caste distinctions, and opposes the higher training and ambition of our brighter minds, - so far as he, the South, or the Nation does this, - we must unceasingly and firmly oppose them. By ever civilized and peaceful method we must strive for the rights which the world accords to men, clinging unwaveringly to those great words which the sons of the Father would fain forget: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (DuBois 1719).
This paragraph is not only eloquent and exquisitely written, but it nicely summarizes DuBois’ point of view expressed in his speech, “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others.” While DuBois and Washington were striving for the same outcome, their differing values and strategies came between them. While Washington preached patience, DuBois believed that immediate action and peaceful protests would help the blacks gain the rights they unequivocally deserved. DuBois believed that blacks should not have to earn their rights, they should be a part of every member of society, black and white alike.
DuBois, W.E.B. “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Edited. Nina Baym. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2003. 1710- 1719. Print.
“. . . the time will come when the Negro in the South will be accorded all the political rights which his ability, character, and material possessions entitle him to. I think, though, that the opportunity to freely exercise such political rights will not come in any large degree through outside or artificial forcing, but will be accorded to the Negro by the Southern white people themselves” (Washington 1629).
“I believe it is the duty of the Negro – as the greater part of the race is already doing – to deport himself modestly in regard to political claims, depending upon the slow but sure influences that proceed from the possession of property, intelligence, and high character for the full recognition of his political rights” (Washington 1629).
These two quotes epitomize Washington’s belief: Self-Improvement will lead to acceptance from white people, and political rights will shortly follow. By retreating from white people and improving intellectually and physically, white people will be more than glad to welcome African Americans back into their society.
Washington, Booker T. "Up from Slavery." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 1622-1630. Print.
Quotes Emerson Quotes "To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart, is true for all men,-that is genius" (Emerson 539). "Man is timid and apologetic. He is no longer upright. He dares not say 'I think,' 'I am,' but quotes some saint or sage" (Emerson 547). These quotes reveal the basic idea in Emerson's paper: trust your own ideas, not the ideas of others.
Washington Quotes "...I would say: 'Cast down your bucket where you are'-cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded" (Washington 1623). "No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as writing a poem" (Washington 1623). These quotes show Washington's main idea: swallow your pride and make friends with the other race even if they mistreat you.
Du Bois Quotes “In failing thus to state plainly and equivocally the legitimate demands of their people, even at the cost of opposing an honored leader, the thinking class of American Negroes would shirk a heavy responsibility,- a responsibility to themselves, a responsibility to the struggling masses, a responsibility to the darker races of men whose future depends so largely on this American experiment, but especially a responsibility to this nation,-this common Fatherland” (DuBois 1717). These quotes show Du Bois’ ideas in this paper: set your demands for equality as it is your responsibility to do so for your country.
Works Cited Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self Reliance." Norton Anthology of American Literature. Shorter Sixth Edition. 1. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. Print.
Washington, Booker T. "Up From Slavery." Norton Anthology of American Literature. Shorter Sixth Edition. 1. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. Print.
Bois, W.E.B. Du. "Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." Norton Anthology of American Literature. Shorter Sixth Edition. 1. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. Print.
- Washington was born a slave in Virginia. - Educated in the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia; a trade school where he paid his tuition and made his living as a janitor there. - Founded the Tuskegee Institute in 1881: "A school established by the Alabama legislature to train black men and women in the agricultural and mechanical trades and for teaching" (Gottesman 1621). - Became a leader in African American community as an orator, educator, and author. - Washington preached the "social responsibility" of the black community being to "Deport himself modestly in regard to political claims” (Washington 1629)at the Atlanta Exposition of 1895. - Introduces what critics would call the Atlanta Compromise: "Popularly known as the Atlanta Compromise, the speech seemed to some black critics to offer to trade black civil, social, and political rights for low-level economic opportunity and non-violent relations with whites" (Gottesman 1621) - This idea is well received by blacks in the deep south who may have lost hope, and whites who enjoy the subordination that this philosophy creates. - Received sponsorship from wealthy, white philanthropists when they agreed with his ideas. - Received criticism from W.E.B. Du Bois and others for his ideas, criticized as complacent and bending to the white man's whims. - Perhaps Washington's upbringing changed his perspective somewhat.
Works Cited
Gottesman. (2003). The Norton Anthology of American Literature. In B. T. Washington, Up From Slavery (pp. 1622-1630). New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc.
7 comments:
W.E. B. DuBois Exam Study
Pages 1710 – 1719 Norton Anthology
• W.E.B. DuBois was born free in 1868 in Massachusetts, and this greatly shaped his views on how African Americans should be treated.
• He greatly differed from Booker T. Washington’s views and told people so in this essay
• He felt that blacks should not stand for 2nd class citizenship and that they should not treat their oppressors with ‘submission’
o He said that this tactic was not working and so they should try something else
• He was not entirely against Washington
o Agreed with the parts that would advance African Americans
o But said that they should not stick with him when he allows injustice
Therefore he didn’t agree with allowing the voting inequality to occur while blacks increased their wealth and training
• He deeply cared about the right to vote, social equality and access to good education
• He generally was less satisfied with where the African American peoples had gotten then Washington and wanted to keep on pushing forward
Works Cited
DuBois, W.E.B. “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Edited. Nina Baym. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2003. 1710-1719. print.
Hynes, Gerald, C. "A Biographical Sketch." W.E.B. DuBois learning center. W.E.B. DuBois learning center, Web. 9 Dec 2009.
Rachel Y
Ella C (Hour 5)
Ralph Waldo Emerson “Self-Reliance”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was a Unitarian Minister and was a large part of the Transcendentalist movement, believing that the achievement of spirituality comes from nature. He gave up his position within the church to devote his life to other things.
Themes of “Self-Reliance:”
Self-Reliance
You only benefit from your own work and do not truly benefit from others.
Trust in yourself, and your own moral judgment and you will be right.
Many people think the same thing as you and you must trust in yourself and ask the questions that you are afraid to ask.
Religion
Finding your own religious and spiritual beliefs is rewarding, but mindlessly following and listening to what others tell you is correct is not true spirituality—you do not gain anything from it but dissatisfaction.
Society
Only the people that dictate society gain from it, everyone else looses what they have given to it in order to become part of it. (Society creates bland and unoriginal thought)
Society’s beliefs are stagnant and do not drive and individual towards greatness, or
self-realization.
True social order only can come from everyone’s satisfaction with themselves and the abandonment of conformity.
Works Cited
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 538-556. Print.
“Ralph Waldo Emerson: 1803-1882.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 538-556. Print.
Ceallach Gibbons Period 5
Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes:
“Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members” (Emerson 541).
“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” (Emerson 542).
These two quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, “Self Reliance,” summarize a few key beliefs of the transcendentalists, a group for social change in the 1800’s. Emerson believed that man and society’s greatest weakness was human nature, human’s natural inclination to conform to societal norms. Both of these quotes encourage not isolation, but independence. Emerson valued the ability to make decisions based on personal values, not what our society says is right. Progress is fueled by varying ideas, personalities and beliefs. When humans embrace their beliefs without conforming to the societal norms, then our culture and humanity become rich and diverse. Unfortunately Emerson would most likely be appalled with the new ways American culture has created self-doubt and lack of originality as societal norms are endorsed and unique individuality is frowned upon. In Emerson’s ideal world, humans would feel free to embrace their culture and beliefs without fear of society rejecting them.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 538-556. Print.
W.E.B. DuBois Quotes:
“The black men of America have a duty to perform, a duty stern and delicate, - a forward movement to oppose a part of the work of their greatest leader. So far as Mr. Washington preaches Thrift, Patience, and Industrial Training for the masses, we must hold up his hands and strive with him, rejoicing in his honors and glorying in the strength of this Joshua called of God and of man to lead the headless host. But so far as Mr. Washington apologizes for injustice, North or South, does not rightly value the privilege and duty of voting, belittles the emasculating effects of caste distinctions, and opposes the higher training and ambition of our brighter minds, - so far as he, the South, or the Nation does this, - we must unceasingly and firmly oppose them. By ever civilized and peaceful method we must strive for the rights which the world accords to men, clinging unwaveringly to those great words which the sons of the Father would fain forget: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (DuBois 1719).
This paragraph is not only eloquent and exquisitely written, but it nicely summarizes DuBois’ point of view expressed in his speech, “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others.” While DuBois and Washington were striving for the same outcome, their differing values and strategies came between them. While Washington preached patience, DuBois believed that immediate action and peaceful protests would help the blacks gain the rights they unequivocally deserved. DuBois believed that blacks should not have to earn their rights, they should be a part of every member of society, black and white alike.
DuBois, W.E.B. “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Edited. Nina Baym. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2003. 1710- 1719. Print.
Ceallach Gibbons Period 5
“. . . the time will come when the Negro in the South will be accorded all the political rights which his ability, character, and material possessions entitle him to. I think, though, that the opportunity to freely exercise such political rights will not come in any large degree through outside or artificial forcing, but will be accorded to the Negro by the Southern white people themselves” (Washington 1629).
“I believe it is the duty of the Negro – as the greater part of the race is already doing – to deport himself modestly in regard to political claims, depending upon the slow but sure influences that proceed from the possession of property, intelligence, and high character for the full recognition of his political rights” (Washington 1629).
These two quotes epitomize Washington’s belief: Self-Improvement will lead to acceptance from white people, and political rights will shortly follow. By retreating from white people and improving intellectually and physically, white people will be more than glad to welcome African Americans back into their society.
Washington, Booker T. "Up from Slavery." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 2003. 1622-1630. Print.
Quotes
Emerson Quotes
"To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart, is true for all men,-that is genius" (Emerson 539).
"Man is timid and apologetic. He is no longer upright. He dares not say 'I think,' 'I am,' but quotes some saint or sage" (Emerson 547).
These quotes reveal the basic idea in Emerson's paper: trust your own ideas, not the ideas of others.
Washington Quotes
"...I would say: 'Cast down your bucket where you are'-cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded" (Washington 1623).
"No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as writing a poem" (Washington 1623).
These quotes show Washington's main idea: swallow your pride and make friends with the other race even if they mistreat you.
Du Bois Quotes
“In failing thus to state plainly and equivocally the legitimate demands of their people, even at the cost of opposing an honored leader, the thinking class of American Negroes would shirk a heavy responsibility,- a responsibility to themselves, a responsibility to the struggling masses, a responsibility to the darker races of men whose future depends so largely on this American experiment, but especially a responsibility to this nation,-this common Fatherland” (DuBois 1717).
These quotes show Du Bois’ ideas in this paper: set your demands for equality as it is your responsibility to do so for your country.
Works Cited
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self Reliance." Norton Anthology of American Literature. Shorter Sixth Edition. 1. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. Print.
Washington, Booker T. "Up From Slavery." Norton Anthology of American Literature. Shorter Sixth Edition. 1. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. Print.
Bois, W.E.B. Du. "Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." Norton Anthology of American Literature. Shorter Sixth Edition. 1. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2002. Print.
Edward Xie
Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
PAGE 1622-1630
- Washington was born a slave in Virginia.
- Educated in the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia; a trade school where he paid his tuition and made his living as a janitor there.
- Founded the Tuskegee Institute in 1881: "A school established by the Alabama legislature to train black men and women in the agricultural and mechanical trades and for teaching" (Gottesman 1621).
- Became a leader in African American community as an orator, educator, and author.
- Washington preached the "social responsibility" of the black community being to "Deport himself modestly in regard to political claims” (Washington 1629)at the Atlanta Exposition of 1895.
- Introduces what critics would call the Atlanta Compromise: "Popularly known as the Atlanta Compromise, the speech seemed to some black critics to offer to trade black civil, social, and political rights for low-level economic opportunity and non-violent relations with whites" (Gottesman 1621)
- This idea is well received by blacks in the deep south who may have lost hope, and whites who enjoy the subordination that this philosophy creates.
- Received sponsorship from wealthy, white philanthropists when they agreed with his ideas.
- Received criticism from W.E.B. Du Bois and others for his ideas, criticized as complacent and bending to the white man's whims.
- Perhaps Washington's upbringing changed his perspective somewhat.
Works Cited
Gottesman. (2003). The Norton Anthology of American Literature. In B. T. Washington, Up From Slavery (pp. 1622-1630). New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc.
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