Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: My old man died in a fine big house. My ma died in a shack. I wonder where I m gonna die. Being neither white nor black? These are the first words with which Nella Larsen commences her novel Quicksand in 1928. The quatrain belongs to the poem Cross (1925) by Larsen s contemporary Langston Hughes and addresses the issue of duality, where mixed racial heritage leads to self-doubt and struggle in the definition of identity. Larsen and other African-American writers, including James Weldon Johnson, explored the intricacies and contradictions of the concept of race at the beginning of the 20th century, in particular by addressing the phenomenon of passing . Passing has many definitions, most often it is associated with the term passing for white , which implies the crossing of the colour line from black to white in order to transcend racial barriers. Ratna Roy refers to it as assimilating into white society by concealing one s antecedents and according to Sollors, passing can be understood in a more general sense as the crossing of any line that divides social groups. Perhaps most importantly is to understand passing as the ability of a person to be completely accepted as a member of a sociological group other than their own. Until the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, writers hardly had addressed the passing figure in literature because racial passing only thrived in modern social systems in which as a primary condition, social and geographic mobility prevailed. Passing has always been a much camouflaged topic because the successful passer does not want their identity to be uncloaked. This constitutes probably also the main reason why only little, and rather pioneering, research has been conducted up to today and why it still remains difficult to investigate the issue. The sole witnesses of the concepts of passing in the time period are passing narratives. James Weldon Johnson s Autobiography of an Ex-colored Man (initially published anonymously in 1912 but reissued under Johnson s authorship in 1927), Nella Larsen s Quicksand (1928) and her novella Passing (1929) are perhaps the most exemplary and promising examples of an analysis of the passing figure and classic epitomes of the racial situations during the Harlem Renaissance. The novels challenge stereotypes of race and disclose concepts of doubleness and visibility. In order to disentangle the complexities of the theme, these novels, [...]

Larsen and other African-American writers, including James Weldon Johnson, explored the intricacies and contradictions of the concept of race at the beginning of the 20th century, in particular by addressing the phenomenon of 'passing'. Passing has many definitions, most often it is associated with the term 'passing for white', which implies the crossing of the colour line from black to white in order to transcend racial barriers. Until the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, writers hardly had addressed the passing figure in literature. Passing has always been a much camouflaged topic because the successful passer does not want their identity to be uncloaked. This constitutes probably also the main reason why only little, and rather pioneering, research has been conducted up to today and why it still remains difficult to investigate the issue. The sole witnesses of the concepts of passing in the time period are passing narratives. James Weldon Johnson's Autobiography of an Ex-colored Man (1912), Nella Larsen's Quicksand (1928) and her novella Passing (1929) are perhaps the most exemplary examples of an analysis of the passing figure and classic epitomes of the racial situations during the Harlem Renaissance. The novels challenge stereotypes of race and disclose concepts of doubleness and visibility. In order to disentangle the complexities of the theme, these novels, will serve to examine in depth in the nature and the motifs of the phenomenon of passing. In this book, I will be exploring the motifs of passing in these novels of the Harlem Renaissance in the context of DuBois' concept of double consciousness and the discourse of race. Chapter One will set the critical historical and cultural context for the passing narratives, as this is indispensable and crucial for the understanding of the motifs of the theme. With this in mind, the second Chapter will account for what destabilizes the African-American identity and thus identify the motives of p

In James Weldon Johnson’s “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man,” the line between black and white blurs into an unforgettable story of identity and survival. This electrifying and timeless classic takes you on a journey through the complexities of race, identity, and the human spirit in early 20th century America. Born to a black mother and a white father, the protagonist embarks on an extraordinary journey from the segregated South to the sophisticated North, experiencing both the privileges of passing as white and the profound connection to his African American heritage. Johnson’s powerful storytelling vividly captures the complexities of racial identity, the courage to live authentically, and the resilience required to confront societal norms. This seminal work, celebrated for its historical significance and literary brilliance, has captivated readers and scholars alike. A bestseller in its time and a cornerstone in African American literature, “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” continues to inspire and provoke thought. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, memoirs, and social justice narratives, this novel remains a vital and relevant read in today’s discussions about race, privilege, and identity. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or encountering this classic for the first time, prepare to be moved and challenged by Johnson’s unflinching examination of the American experience. Experience the enduring power of “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man”—a compelling, insightful, and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

Explore the intricacies of identity and society through the lens of James Weldon Johnson's 'An Autobiography Of An Ex-Colored Man,' a powerful exploration of race, culture, and self-discovery. Embark on a profound exploration of identity with James Weldon Johnson's compelling autobiography, "The Autobiography Of An Ex-Colored Man: James Weldon Johnson's Identity Quest." Join Johnson on a transformative journey as he grapples with the complexities of race, culture, and personal identity in a society marked by prejudice and injustice. As Johnson's narrative unfolds, witness the internal struggles and external challenges that shape his quest for self-discovery. His autobiography becomes a mirror reflecting the universal quest for identity and belonging, inviting readers to confront the issues of race and identity that persist in our society. But here's the twist that will challenge your perceptions: What if the identity quest Johnson undertakes is not just his own but a reflection of the broader human experience? Could his autobiography be a catalyst for conversations about race, belonging, and the pursuit of selfhood? Engage with short, thought-provoking paragraphs that navigate the intricate terrain of identity. Johnson's words beckon you to reflect on the multifaceted aspects of personal identity and the societal forces that shape it. Are you prepared to confront the complexities of identity and join James Weldon Johnson on a transformative quest? Immerse yourself in paragraphs that bridge the gap between individual and collective identity. Johnson's narrative is not just an autobiography; it's a call to examine and understand the shared journey towards selfhood. Will you heed the call to explore the intricacies of identity in our society? Here's your chance to not just read but to engage with a narrative that delves deep into the heart of personal and societal identity. Acquire "The Autobiography Of An Ex-Colored Man: James Weldon Johnson's Identity Quest" now, and let Johnson's words guide you through the profound exploration of self.

A fictional tale set in America at the turn of the 20th century, ‘The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man’ tells the story of a mixed-race man whose lighter skin allows him to pass for a white man when the need arises. Charting his journey across the racial divides, it describes his journey from a black college kid in Jacksonville to a successful man living in the white suburbs of the Northeast. This gripping, powerful novel is a landmark work in black American literary history, and its unsentimental look at race relations in America describes many of the racial issues that still affect the country to this day. ‘The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man’ is perfect for readers of Brit Bennett's ́The Vanishing Half ́. James Weldon Johnson, (1871-1938) was a poet, musician, writer, and diplomat. As a composer, he and his brother John Rosamond Johnson wrote ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’, based on his poem of the same name. It later became a national anthem for many African Americans. The pair went on to write over 200 songs on Broadway. Johnson’s writing includes the works ́The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man’ and ‘Fifty Years and Other Poems’, as well as his ground-breaking anthology ‘Book of American Negro Poetry’ and ́The Books of the American Negro Spirituals’. However, his best-known work remains the book of verse, ‘God’s Trombones’.

Larsen and other African-American writers, including James Weldon Johnson, explored the intricacies and contradictions of the concept of race at the beginning of the 20th century, in particular by addressing the phenomenon of 'passing'. Passing has many definitions, most often it is associated with the term 'passing for white', which implies the crossing of the colour line from black to white in order to transcend racial barriers. Until the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, writers hardly had addressed the passing figure in literature. Passing has always been a much camouflaged topic because the successful passer does not want their identity to be uncloaked. This constitutes probably also the main reason why only little, and rather pioneering, research has been conducted up to today and why it still remains difficult to investigate the issue. The sole witnesses of the concepts of passing in the time period are passing narratives. James Weldon Johnson’s Autobiography of an Ex-colored Man (1912), Nella Larsen’s Quicksand (1928) and her novella Passing (1929) are perhaps the most exemplary examples of an analysis of the passing figure and classic epitomes of the racial situations during the Harlem Renaissance. The novels challenge stereotypes of race and disclose concepts of doubleness and visibility. In order to disentangle the complexities of the theme, these novels, will serve to examine in depth in the nature and the motifs of the phenomenon of passing. In this book, I will be exploring the motifs of passing in these novels of the Harlem Renaissance in the context of DuBois’ concept of double consciousness and the discourse of race. Chapter One will set the critical historical and cultural context for the passing narratives, as this is indispensable and crucial for the understanding of the motifs of the theme. With this in mind, the second Chapter will account for what destabilizes the African-American identity and thus identify the motives of passing. It will explore how external factors like legislation as well as extremely influential social taboos affect the mulatto protagonists and what influencing variable double consciousness, as an internal factor, plays. In quest for a stable and fulfilling identity, African Americans travel along the colour line and pass into different roles for a life outside the veil without restrictions. In Chapter Three, I will therefore analyse passing as an attempt to escape the confines of race and double consciousness and will also pay special attention to the motif of travel. At this point, I will in particular explore the question whether the journey of Larsen’s and Johnson’s passing figures fulfils its promise of a stable or even new form of identity. The concluding Chapter will critically reflect on the subject of passing and its potential to challenge racial categorization and boundaries. I will analyse whether passing proves a successful strategy to refrain from social restrictions and double consciousness and whether concepts like that of DuBois’ third self are promising for a stable identity. This final Chapter will incorporate a conclusion in which I will look behind the veil of the phenomenon and explore the ways in which passing defies the essentialism of the discussions of race.

The tragic tale of a young bi-racial man coming of age in the post-Reconstruction age. Light skinned enough to pass as a white man the Ex-Colored Man struggles to to understand and embrace his identity. A groundbreaking novel, written by James Weldon Johnson one of the most prominent African Americans of his time, explores the probes the psychological impact of passing for white and examines American culture and racial views and class system.