Themes in “The Souls of Black Folk” by W. E. B. Du Bois

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Characterization
Some Important characters
References

Introduction

“herein lie buried many things which if read with patience may show the strange meaning of being black here in the dawning of the twentieth century. This meaning is not without interest to you, gentle reader; for the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line.” These concise lines sum up the intent of the collection, which is to make an impression upon the world, the exacting familiarity of being an African American about forty years after the Civil War.

The Souls of Black Folk is testimony to Du Bois’ position as one of the leading scholars on race, religion in general, and the Black experience, in particular. The work comprises fourteen essays on a variety of topics, ranging from a history of the U.S. government’s labors at Reconstruction to a dialogue of the function of religion in the black community. Popularly known as the Father of social science, Du Bois’ observations and findings are everlasting and several of his worries continue to afflict society even today.

The Major Themes

The themes of race and religion were woven through each essay to demonstrate life behind “the veil” for the slave, the free person, and the Negro. This same theme offers insight into “double consciousness” for Blacks today. The author’s manner moves from solemn scrutiny to euphoric demonstration as he accounts a history burdened by the irrational, the unreasonable, the pointless, and in some cases, the dreadful.

In some sections of the essay, Du Bois continuously illustrates how their spirit in some way remained intact and all set to battle a new day while the remaining sections consider some ways in which Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk updates the discipline of sociology with relation to racism and race relations, monetary discrimination and Black management, edification, and religious conviction and the Black Church. At the heart of the text is the staging of a divergent, dichotomized identity of being Black and American, where the Black identity branded one a “problem” to be overlooked, sympathized, or disgraced and the White personality remained a steady reminder of an inheritance of domination and position to be honored but by no means reached.

Racism and Race Relations

Du Bois primarily lay emphasis on the inheritance of racial discrimination and its harmful effects on the lives of Black people. He in addition educated the reader that discrimination and prejudice not only stymied the Blacks, but had severe consequences for the Whites whose apprehension, suspicion, mistrust, derision, and hatred of Blacks weakened their own humanity. As a result, the inheritance of racism left the complete nation wanting the fundamental human qualities on which it was apparently originated. Isolation in metropolitan cities, economic discrimination, and poverty are evidence of the increasing effects of racism (Wilson 1986; 1997).

Importance of Education

Du Bois constantly points to education as the principal means of mobility and personality development for Blacks. The author applauded the “planting of the free school among Negroes” (p. 34) and documented the requirement for a diverse education system. Nevertheless, he held a very clear vision that those persons most equipped in character and devotion should serve as leaders (The Talented Tenth) and perfect their expertise by means of a liberal arts education. According to him, education continues to be important for success.

Significance of Religion and the Black Church

Du Bois was lucid that religion, illustrated by “the Preacher, the Music, and the Frenzy” (p. 191) served to uphold and give power to people. Du Bois recognized the Black Church as the communal axis of Black life which fulfills spiritual needs, serves as an educational platform, provides monetary aid, and provides refuge from prejudice, racism, and other stresses (Felder 1991; Frazier 1964; Lincoln 1984; Lincoln and Mamiya 1990).

The Souls of Black Folk holds an exceptional position as a religious commentary, a social analysis, evidence to the human spirit, a literary wealth, and a pragmatic investigation of political and economic conditions. At the heart of its legacy is victory in the face of adversity.

Characterization

Du Bois inquires about the leadership role of Booker T. Washington and his apologetic attitude toward the Whites. Even though Du Bois acknowledged Washington’s genuineness and accomplishments, he observes, “there is among educated and thoughtful colored men in all parts of the land a feeling of deep regret, sorrow, and apprehension at the wide currency and ascendancy which some of Mr. Washington’s theories have gained” (p. 47).

Contrasting to the honor he bequeaths upon Alexander Crummell, Du Bois considers that Washington’s attitude justified sustained domineering conditions and stifled possible opposition by the Black masses. Du Bois argues that the accomplishments of the Blacks can be associated with the competence and quality of Black leaders. A century later, West (1993) questions, “How do we account for the absence of the Frederick Douglasses, Sojourner Truths, Martin Luther King Jrs., Malcolm Xs, and Fannie Lou Hamers in our time? Why hasn’t black America produced intellectuals of the caliber of W.E. B. Du Bois…in the past few decades?” (p. 35). Supported on West’s (1993) typology of the Black political leaders, Washington could be believed a “race-effacing managerial leader” that yielded to domination, rather than a race exceeding visionary leader that would review.

Some Important characters

Alexander Crummel is the foremost African-American man fated an Episcopalian priest. Over the path of his life, he instituted his own parish, requests counsel and motivation in England, and ministers in Africa out of the passionate yearning to uplift his people. As a man who endeavors to serve his people with very little support or appreciation, his life is a great inspiration to Du Bois.

W. E. B. Du Bois is the author of The Souls of Black Folk and since the essay replicates his own experience; he is the hero and narrates the compilation, in an attempt to symbolize the extensiveness of the African-American experience in lieu of his own.

References

Du Bois, W.E.B. 1990 [1903]. The Souls of Black Folk. New York, NY: Vintage Books.

Kelley, Robin D.G. 1990. Hammer and Hoe: Alabama Communists During the Great Depression. Chapel Hill, NC: U of North Carolina Press.

Myrdal, Gunnar. 1996 [1944]. An American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

Reed, Adolph. 1997. W.E.B. Du Bois and American Political Thought. New York, NY: Oxford. Sandra L. Barnes Department of Sociology & Anthropology.

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