The narrator of "The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man," who remains unnamed even at the beginning of chapter 8, gives readers countless opportunities to dislike him. He flits from occupation to occupation, leaving friends behind and never really honing in on a profession or particular skill. He has incredible opportunities presented to him, for example, his work and eventually his companionship with the millionaire - a man who was willing to take the narrator across the globe and share his music - dissipates because the narrator wants to "go back into the very heart of the South, to live among the people, and drink in...inspiration firsthand" (142). Also, as we discussed in class, the narrator has yet to prove that the story he is telling has direction or purpose. Rather, he simply rambles on, piling his stories upon each other, leaving the reader unsure where or when his narrative will climax.
Despite the narrator's downfalls, I, for some reason, still find him to be an admirable person. No matter how many times he gets pushed down, or "gives up," he finds a way to remain not only optimistic about his future, but also idealistic and confident in himself. I think he, and all black individuals who strove to help achieve greatness for their race during the narrator's time, deserves recognition for possessing such ambitiousness even through times of segregation. Personally, I am proud of the narrator's decision to return to the United States. Coming home to America will provide him with the opportunity to advance respect for his race, and doing so through the use of his beautiful musical skills. I just hope that once he returns to New York, he doesn't fall into the same pit of temptation that consumed him before his travels abroad (gambling), and that he manages to maintain focus on his goals.
One final thought: Will the narrator re-encounter his father and "sister" again? If so, how will he react?
-Elizabeth
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I also find myself feeling some admiration toward the narrator despite his obvious flaws. His struggle to find his identity is extremely relatable. He has had to overcome a huge challenge in finding out that he is not white and he has dealt with this revelation in a respectable way. I also think that his decision to return to the United States is very brave because he is leaving the security of the millionaire to take on the challenge of bettering himself and his race.
I would love to know that too! I agree with the fact that there seems to be very odd storied piled on top of eachother. Like the death of the widow, that was traumatic yet he seemed to truly downplay it. It was just an odd piece of his rambling story. Im interested yet still searching for a crucial plot line.
The narrator does seem to be pretty aimless for much of the novel. When he decides to part ways with the millionaire, it seems that he finally has some genuine motivation and vision for his life, even if he is abandoning a potentially lucrative career. Of course, this enthusiasm is crushed by the horrific lynching he sees, and the narrator retreats back into a world of racial ambiguity.
I definitely agree with your post but there was one statement that really stood out to me. You said "Despite the narrator's downfalls, I, for some reason, still find him to be an admirable person. No matter how many times he gets pushed down, or "gives up," he finds a way to remain not only optimistic about his future, but also idealistic and confident in himself. I think he, and all black individuals who strove to help achieve greatness for their race during the narrator's time, deserves recognition for possessing such ambitiousness even through times of segregation" I couldnt agree more, I felt he always seemed to stay optimistic as well where in most cases alot of people would give up.
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