Vocab
What is “rollicking” (par. 2)?
Rollicking = carefree and joyous.
What is the “other world” (par. 1)?
The “other world” = everyone who is not Black American.
According to Du Bois, how does it feel to be a “problem”?
To be a “problem” feels “strange” and “peculiar.”
How does Du Bois use the image of “blue sky” to introduce a new idea?
The “blue sky” image shows that when Du Bois feels above “the other world,” he is less troubled by exclusion. It suggests an escape or sense of freedom.
How does Du Bois describe the “house”?
The “house” is described with “shades… closing” and “walls strait and stubborn, relentlessly narrow, tall” — a prison-house.
What does “contempt” mean in the phrase “common contempt”?
Contempt = a feeling of dislike or disrespect.
Why is the question “How does it feel to be a problem?” “unasked”? (par. 1)
The question is “unasked” because of “feelings of delicacy” and the difficulty of rightly framing it — people avoid asking because it would be impolite and hard to phrase.
Why has he “never been anything else”? (par. 2)
He has “never been anything else” because he was born into that status — it is an identity forced on him.
What imagery does Du Bois use to describe where he lives “above the veil”?
He describes living “above” the veil in a “region of blue sky and great wandering shadows” — cheerful but tinged with darkness.
Who is inside the “prison-house”?
Inside the “prison-house” = Du Bois himself and the “sons of night,” other Black boys trapped in exclusion.
What does “unavailing” mean?
Unavailing = not successful; useless.
What does it mean to be “born with a veil”?
“Born with a veil” = African Americans are separated/excluded from birth, without choice.
What is “common contempt,” and how does Du Bois experience it?
“Common contempt” = broad dislike or hatred for those beyond the veil; he felt joy in beating them at exams, races, or even fights.
When does Du Bois say “that sky was bluest”?
The sky was “bluest” when he beat his mates in contests, suggesting temporary joy and superiority.
What effect does the image of the “prison-house” create? What does this suggest about its role in the passage?
The “prison-house” metaphor creates the effect of hopelessness, confinement, despair. It symbolizes America as an inescapable prison for African Americans.