Analysis Of W. E. B. Du Bois The Souls Of Black Folk

W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk deals not just with the dichotomy between white and black people, but also with the dichotomy between men and women. One evocative passage personifies racial tensions by depicting the white community as a “gray-haired gentleman” and the black community as a figure “hovering dark and mother-like, her awful face black with the mists of centuries…” Instead of two men or two women, a man and woman are chosen to represent the two communities. Although the initial contrast of the figures in terms of appearance and ancestry seems as though it would have been equally effective with two figures of the same gender, a further contrast in terms of descendants and legacy makes clear why the figures had to be depicted as they were. If a more progressive society is to be achieved,

The use of the word “mother-like” to describe the black female figure may suggest that she is trying to be a mother, but not actually succeeding. This could be because she had no one to teach her. There is no mention made of the generations that came before her, though the white male figure is described as having “fathers.” While it is impossible for an individual to have more than one biological father, this word could refer to the white male’s father and then his father before him, or perhaps all white men of the previous generation regardless of actual relation. This could show how the white male figure has the backing of previous generations to support him in whatever actions he takes, as well as helping him to integrate into society. The black female, in contrast, is forced to stand alone. She must make her way in a world that will not respond favourably to her because of who her parents were. Both figures, however, are shown to have children. This hints at a future equality, but the deaths of these sons show how this more progressive future cannot yet come to