In Zora Neale Hurston's "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," the concluding paragraph employs a powerful extended metaphor comparing life to a brown bag, symbolizing the blend of experiences and humanity. This metaphor resonates with Hurston's confident and assertive tone throughout the essay, emphasizing the celebration of individuality. The final sentence, "I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background," encapsulates the essay's essence, highlighting the contrast between personal vibrancy and societal expectations. Overall, the extended metaphor provides a poignant and effective conclusion, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the complexities of identity in a racially divided world.
"How It Feels to Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston concludes with a powerful extended metaphor that compares life to a brown bag, signifying the blend of experiences, emotions, and humanity. This metaphor resonates with the overall tone of the essay, which is confident, self-aware, and unapologetically assertive about Hurston's identity.
The extended metaphor is consistent with the tone throughout the essay. Hurston exudes confidence and self-assuredness, refusing to be defined or confined by societal expectations or racial categorizations. The metaphor of the brown bag reinforces her message of embracing individuality and celebrating the unique blend of experiences that make up a person's identity.
The final sentence, "I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background," is particularly effective. It encapsulates the essence of the essay, highlighting the contrast between Hurston's vibrant individuality and the stark expectations imposed by a society marked by racial divisions. This sentence leaves a lasting impression, emphasizing the impact of societal perceptions on personal identity.
In conclusion, the extended metaphor aligns with Hurston's tone and serves as a poignant and effective ending, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the complexities of identity and the challenges of navigating a world marked by racial distinctions.