Souls of Black Folk Literary Response (3-4)

Steve Epting
AP English
Souls of Black Folk Literary Response (Chapter3-4)
“But Mr. Washington first indissolubly linked these things; he put enthusiasm, unlimited energy, and perfect faith into his programme, and changed it from a by-path into a veritable Way of Life.” This quote is the heart for both of these chapters. It’s saying how hard Mr. Washington worked in his life. He wasn’t just your regular “average joe”. He was a hard working man.
Throughout the two chapters, Mr. Washington’s first name is never stated. This act creates a sense of space and separation. It keeps the relationship between the reader and the character on the formal side. It’s a hint of mystery in his name because there are tons of Mr. Washingtons’ in the world. Because of his fine character and impressive career, Mr. Washington keeps everything on a business and serious level.
Mr. Washington had success because of the adversity he had to go through. “Among his own people, Mr. Washington has encountered the strongest and most lasting opposition…and even today continuing strong and insistent even though largely silenced in outward expression by the public opinion of the nation.” He has faced hard times that have made him stronger. He has a good career and he is respected by a lot of people by the way that he lives his life. He took all the criticism and used it as an advantage to get further ahead in life.
“…and changed it from a by-path into a veritable Way of Life.” Mr. Washington practiced what he preached. He made sure that he would not just do the right thing some times; he got into the practice of making this a life style. He was a beacon of light that shined on other people and they saw it. He made sure that he always did the right thing even if he did not want to.