The central theme in Zora Neale Hurston's text relates to the personal reconciliation with racial identity, the external perception of being a racial 'problem' within society, and the journey towards self-definition and overcoming systemic adversity.
The central theme expressed in Zora Neale Hurston's 'How It Feels to Be Colored Me' encompasses individuality, self-acceptance, and the interplay of racial identity within society's broader scope. Hurston's narrative traverses the dynamics of race relations, self-perception, and the quest for personal identity against a backdrop of systemic societal challenges. From Hurston's contemplative reflections to the metaphor of the veil that suggests separation and the desire to define oneself beyond societal labels, the text vividly portrays the complex emotions and experiences associated with race.
In the context of America's societal structure, the pieces extracted from various texts depict the struggle for recognition and equality, the burden of racial prejudice, and the internal journey towards self-realization. The central theme revolves around the question 'How does it feel to be a problem?' which Hurston and other black individuals have been indirectly asked by society. Her response symbolizes a facade of resilience and a subdued acknowledgment of the societal 'veil' that segregates.
These narratives, while encapsulating the abjection and strife faced by African Americans, also inspire a desire for personal growth and fulfillment beyond societal constraints. The themes resonate with the overarching idea that to overcome adversity, one must remain true to oneself and strive for social justice, equality, and inclusion.
The question probably maybe:
In “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” Zora Neale Hurston discusses her awakening to race. In this section of A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha and, to a lesser extent, Walter, grapple in various ways with finding their identity and exploring their African heritage. Compare and contrast how the awareness of one’s race and identity plays out in these two texts. In a brief essay, analyze how this theme is explored in both texts, citing evidence from each to support your analysis.