Zora Neale Hurston’s essay “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” is a powerful and personal account of her experiences as a black woman in America. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs in Hurston’s essay, as well as the rhetorical strategies she uses to convey her message. From her childhood in Eatonville, Florida to her experiences in New York City, Hurston’s essay provides a unique perspective on race, identity, and the human experience.
Zora Neale Hurston’s Background and Life
Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama. She was the fifth of eight children born to John Hurston, a carpenter and Baptist preacher, and Lucy Ann Hurston, a former schoolteacher. When Hurston was three years old, her family moved to Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns in the United States. Eatonville would later serve as the setting for many of Hurston’s works, including her most famous novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Despite her family’s poverty, Hurston was a bright student and excelled in school. She attended Morgan Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, and later Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she studied anthropology under the renowned scholar Franz Boas. Hurston’s interest in anthropology would later influence her writing, as she often incorporated elements of African American folklore and culture into her work.
After leaving Howard University, Hurston moved to New York City, where she became a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music. Hurston’s writing during this time reflected the vibrant energy of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as her own experiences as a black woman in a predominantly white society.
Throughout her life, Hurston faced many challenges, including poverty, racism, and sexism. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her writing and her belief in the power of storytelling. Today, Hurston is remembered as one of the most important writers of the 20th century, and her work continues to inspire and influence readers around the world.
The Historical Context of the Essay
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” was written in 1928, during a time of significant racial tension in the United States. The 1920s were known as the “Roaring Twenties,” a time of economic prosperity and cultural change, but they were also marked by the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and the implementation of Jim Crow laws in the South. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination, making it difficult for African Americans to access education, employment, and other opportunities.
Hurston’s essay reflects this historical context, as she writes about her experiences as a black woman living in a predominantly white society. She describes how she feels both connected to and separate from her racial identity, and how she navigates the challenges of racism and prejudice. Her essay is a powerful statement about the complexities of race and identity, and it remains relevant today as we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality and discrimination.
The Significance of the Title
The title of Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” is significant in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the author’s personal experience as a black woman in America during the early 20th century. Hurston’s use of the word “colored” is also significant, as it was a common term used to describe African Americans during that time period.
Additionally, the title suggests that the essay will explore the emotional and psychological impact of being a person of color in a predominantly white society. Hurston’s essay does indeed delve into these themes, as she reflects on her own experiences of racism and discrimination, as well as her sense of identity as a black woman.
Overall, the title of Hurston’s essay sets the tone for the piece and provides readers with a glimpse into the author’s perspective on race and identity.
The Theme of Identity
The theme of identity is a central focus in Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me.” Throughout the piece, Hurston explores her own sense of identity as a black woman living in a predominantly white society. She reflects on her experiences growing up in an all-black community in Eatonville, Florida, and how her sense of self shifted when she moved to a predominantly white area for school. Hurston’s essay is a powerful exploration of the complexities of identity and the ways in which race, culture, and environment can shape our sense of self.
The Use of Figurative Language
In Zora Neale Hurston’s “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” the author employs various forms of figurative language to convey her experiences as a Black woman in America. One such example is her use of metaphor when she compares her identity to a brown bag. Hurston writes, “I do not always feel colored. I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.” This metaphor highlights the contrast between her identity and the dominant white culture, emphasizing the ways in which she is made to feel different and othered. Additionally, Hurston uses simile to describe the feeling of being “suddenly” colored when she moves from her hometown of Eatonville, Florida to Jacksonville. She writes, “I feel like a brown bag of miscellany propped against a wall.” This simile conveys the suddenness and disorientation of her experience, as well as the sense of being reduced to a mere object. Through her use of figurative language, Hurston is able to convey the complex emotions and experiences of being a person of color in America.
The Role of Race in the Essay
In Zora Neale Hurston’s essay “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” race plays a significant role in shaping the author’s experiences and perspective. Hurston, a Black woman living in the early 20th century, reflects on her childhood in an all-Black town in Florida and her later experiences in predominantly white spaces. She acknowledges the ways in which her race has affected her interactions with others and her sense of self, but also asserts her individuality and refuses to be defined solely by her race. Through her writing, Hurston challenges the notion that race is a fixed and defining characteristic, and instead emphasizes the complexity and fluidity of identity.
The Symbolism of the Porch
The porch is a significant symbol in Zora Neale Hurston’s “How It Feels to Be Colored Me.” It represents a space where the narrator, a young black woman, feels comfortable and free to express herself. The porch is a place where she can observe the world around her and reflect on her experiences as a person of color. It is also a symbol of the narrator’s resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges she faces as a black woman in a predominantly white society, the porch serves as a reminder that she is still able to find joy and beauty in her life. Overall, the porch is a powerful symbol of the narrator’s identity and her ability to navigate the complexities of race and culture in America.
The Importance of Music in the Essay
Music plays a significant role in Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me.” Throughout the essay, Hurston references various forms of music, including jazz and spirituals, to illustrate the complexity of her identity as a Black woman in America.
One of the most notable examples of music in the essay is Hurston’s description of her experience in a jazz club. She writes, “I do not always feel colored. I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.” However, when she enters the jazz club, she feels a sense of belonging and unity with the other Black patrons. The music serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Additionally, Hurston uses spirituals to highlight the resilience and strength of the Black community. She writes, “I have no separate feeling about being an American citizen and colored. I am merely a fragment of the Great Soul that surges within the boundaries. My country, right or wrong.” This sentiment is echoed in the spirituals that were sung by enslaved people, who found solace and hope in their faith despite their oppressive circumstances.
Overall, music serves as a powerful tool for Hurston to explore the complexities of her identity and the experiences of the Black community. It highlights the ways in which music can bring people together and provide a sense of unity and strength in the face of adversity.
The Essay’s Structure and Style
The structure and style of Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” is unique and captivating. Hurston’s essay is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own purpose and tone. The first section introduces the reader to Hurston’s childhood and her experiences growing up in an all-black community. The second section explores Hurston’s transition to a predominantly white community and her realization of her own racial identity. Finally, the third section offers Hurston’s perspective on race relations and the importance of embracing one’s own identity.
Hurston’s writing style is also noteworthy. She uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey her experiences and emotions. For example, she compares her experience of being colored to a brown paper bag, stating, “I do not always feel colored. I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.” This metaphor effectively conveys the feeling of being different and standing out in a predominantly white society.
Overall, Hurston’s essay is a powerful exploration of race and identity. Her unique structure and writing style make it a compelling read that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Essay’s Reception and Legacy
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” was initially published in 1928 in the literary magazine The World Tomorrow. The essay received mixed reviews from both black and white readers. Some praised Hurston’s bold and confident voice, while others criticized her for not being political enough in her writing.
Despite the initial reception, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” has become a significant piece of literature in the African American literary canon. The essay has been studied and analyzed by scholars and students alike, and it continues to be relevant today in discussions about race and identity.
One of the most significant aspects of the essay’s legacy is Hurston’s celebration of blackness and individuality. She rejects the idea that being black is a burden or a disadvantage, instead embracing her identity and finding joy in her experiences. This message of self-love and acceptance has resonated with readers for decades and continues to inspire those who read the essay today.
Overall, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” has had a lasting impact on literature and society. Hurston’s unique perspective and powerful voice have made the essay a timeless piece of writing that will continue to be studied and celebrated for years to come.
The Essay’s Connection to Hurston’s Other Works
Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” is not only a powerful piece of writing in its own right, but it also has significant connections to Hurston’s other works. One of the most notable connections is the theme of identity, which is a recurring motif throughout Hurston’s oeuvre. In her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, for example, the protagonist, Janie, struggles to find her own sense of self in a world that is hostile to her as a black woman. Similarly, in “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” Hurston explores the complexities of identity as a black woman in a predominantly white society.
Another connection between “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” and Hurston’s other works is the use of vernacular language. Hurston was known for her use of dialect and colloquial speech in her writing, and this is evident in “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” as well. By using the language of her characters and the communities she wrote about, Hurston was able to capture the nuances of black life in a way that was authentic and relatable.
Finally, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” can be seen as a precursor to Hurston’s later work as an anthropologist and folklorist. In this essay, Hurston is not only reflecting on her own experiences as a black woman, but she is also exploring the broader cultural and historical context in which those experiences take place. This interest in the cultural traditions and practices of black communities would become a central focus of Hurston’s later work, as she traveled throughout the American South and the Caribbean collecting folklore and documenting the lives of everyday people.
Overall, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” is a rich and complex piece of writing that is deeply connected to Hurston’s broader body of work. By exploring the themes of identity, language, and cultural traditions, this essay offers a powerful insight into the experiences of black Americans in the early 20th century, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
The Essay’s Contribution to African American Literature
The essay has played a significant role in African American literature, providing a platform for writers to express their experiences and perspectives on race, identity, and culture. Zora Neale Hurston’s How It Feels to Be Colored Me is a prime example of the power of the essay in capturing the essence of the African American experience. Hurston’s essay explores the complexities of racial identity and the ways in which it shapes one’s sense of self. Through her vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, Hurston invites readers to see the world through her eyes and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of being a person of color in America. Her essay is a testament to the enduring legacy of African American literature and the vital role it continues to play in shaping our understanding of race and identity.
The Essay’s Relevance Today
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” remains relevant today as it provides a unique perspective on the experiences of Black Americans. Hurston’s essay challenges the notion of a monolithic Black experience and highlights the diversity within the Black community. Her essay also sheds light on the impact of racism on individuals and the ways in which they navigate their identity in a society that often seeks to marginalize them. Furthermore, Hurston’s essay serves as a reminder of the importance of self-love and self-acceptance in the face of adversity. Overall, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” continues to resonate with readers today and serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the Black community.
The Essay’s Impact on the Civil Rights Movement
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement. The essay, published in 1928, challenged the prevailing attitudes towards race and identity in America. Hurston’s essay was a powerful statement of self-acceptance and pride in one’s heritage, and it helped to inspire a generation of African Americans to embrace their cultural identity and fight for their rights. The essay also challenged the notion of racial essentialism, which held that race was a fixed and immutable characteristic. Hurston’s essay showed that race was a fluid and dynamic concept, shaped by social and cultural factors. This idea was a key component of the Civil Rights Movement, which sought to challenge the institutionalized racism that had been entrenched in American society for centuries. Overall, Hurston’s essay was a powerful and influential work that helped to shape the course of the Civil Rights Movement and inspire a generation of activists.
The Essay’s Exploration of Intersectionality
In her essay “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” Zora Neale Hurston explores the concept of intersectionality, which refers to the ways in which different aspects of a person’s identity intersect and interact with one another. Hurston’s essay is a powerful example of how intersectionality can shape a person’s experiences and perspectives, particularly when it comes to issues of race and gender. Through her personal anecdotes and reflections, Hurston shows how her identity as a black woman has been shaped by a complex web of social, cultural, and historical factors, and how these factors have influenced her sense of self and her place in the world. By exploring the intersections of race, gender, and other aspects of identity, Hurston’s essay offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on the complexities of the human experience.
The Essay’s Representation of Black Womanhood
In her essay “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” Zora Neale Hurston offers a unique perspective on black womanhood. Hurston’s essay challenges the stereotypes and assumptions that have been placed on black women throughout history. She presents herself as a confident and proud black woman who refuses to be defined by her race or gender. Hurston’s essay is a powerful representation of black womanhood that celebrates the strength and resilience of black women. Through her writing, Hurston shows that black women are not victims, but rather, they are powerful and capable individuals who deserve to be respected and valued.
The Essay’s Message of Resilience and Empowerment
In “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” Zora Neale Hurston delivers a powerful message of resilience and empowerment. Despite the challenges and discrimination she faced as a Black woman in the early 20th century, Hurston refuses to be defined by her race. Instead, she embraces her individuality and celebrates her unique experiences. Through her writing, Hurston encourages readers to do the same, to reject the limitations imposed upon them by society and to embrace their own identities. Her message of resilience and empowerment is as relevant today as it was when she first wrote it, reminding us that we have the power to define ourselves and to overcome any obstacle.