Henry Lowe Essay

535 Words2 Pages

Henry Lowe is one of the main characters in the film”The Great Debaters” which is based on real events, the movie tells the story of a debate team from Wiley College, a black school in Texas, and the journey to success in the 1930s. Henry Lowe is one of the members of this team, and this character provides a complex, study of ambition, inner turmoil, and personal growth. At the beginning of the film, Henry is a confident and intelligent man, with a rebellious nature and pursuing his own pleasure. His intelligence is unquestionable, as shown by his wit and persuasive argument skills. However, Henry’s internal conflict often threatens to downplay his potential. He is shown as a loner, drawn to risky behaviors like drinking and dangerous activities, which suggests that he has unresolved emotional struggles. This self-destructive behavior seems to come from a deep sense of delusion, both within society and within himself. …show more content…

An African-American man living under the Jim Crow laws. Henry is aware of the limitations society has placed on him. His anger towards these limitations causes his defiance, towards authority but also towards anyone who tries to help, including Melvin B. Tolson, the debate coach. Tolson sees Henry's potential and challenges him to take hold of his intelligence for something greater, which puts them at odds. Henry refused to comply with the expectations set by his peers and mentors because it’s a defense mechanism, allowing him to maintain a sense of personal rule in a world that seeks to take away his

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