TOW #3- How It Feels to Be Colored Me

            As an African American living in the 1900s, Zora Hurston recalls back to when she was little, living in a Negro town in Eatonville. Growing up in society where she felt belonged, Hurston mentions how she felt no different from the white people because they generously respected her existence in the South. However, when she left to Jacksonville to receive education, she felt as if she was oil floating in water, feeling the undeniably strong distinction between her and the white people. Through her use of metaphor, she depicts her positive view of her background despite living in a culture where a strong contrast between the black and whites existed. For example, Hurston says. “Among the thousand white persons, I am a dark rock surged upon, over swept by a creamy sea. I am surged upon and over swept, but through it all, I remain myself. When covered by the waters, I am; and the ebb but reveals me again” (Hurston, 10). By using this figurative language, Hurston is able to describe how she was never felt sorrow or defeated by her differences and also shows her strength as an African American woman.

            Throughout this personal anecdote, it is evident that her purpose is for all people of all races to feel pride for their culture despite the sorrows it can bring them under certain circumstances. She does this by describing the positives of being an African American. For example, Hurston writes, “It constricts the thorax and splits the heart with tempo and narcotic harmonies. This orchestra grows rambunctious, rears on its hind legs and attacks the tonal veil with primitive fury, rending it, clawing it until it breaks through the jungle beyond.” (Hurston, 11). Again, with the use of personification, she shows how she appreciates the beauty of music more compared to her white friends and shows her love for being an African American. Hurston’s strangely strong optimism leaves the readers with pride for their background and through her use of figurative language, she is able to effectively portray her message of self- worth.