Here to Learn Book Club: Education on Race in America discussion

The value in this book, I think. lies mainly in its historical significance and that of its author. In my edition from 1989, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. gives a fantastic introduction, explaining this in regard to the main character:

"If such vanity suggests an ego afflicted by self-division, he is the first flawed character in Afro-American fiction, the first instance where a character's fate is determined not by environmental forces such as racism but by the choices that he makes. Whereas the subjects of black autobiographies heretofore sought to reveal themselves as inherently noble, sensitive and sympathetic characters, the ex-coloured man emerges from the very beginning of his own narration as a person made unattractive by his own hubris."

Amazing! I have to say I didn't find this story particularly compelling (I was definitely annoyed by the hubris, as well as what I viewed as a bit of - pandering? self-preservation? - in how he tended to give equal weight to racist and anti-racist arguments), but I think it's important to have read it in its crucial historical context.

Did anything else strike you as you read this?

As a reminder, this will be my last post in this group as moderator. If you are interested in taking over moderation of the group, please email me at info@carlya2z.com and we can certainly chat.

Take care, everyone, and happy reading!