The Souls of Black Folk

Define double-consciousness, a concept Du Bois introduces in Chapter 1: “Of Our Spiritual Strivings.” Does Du Bois see double-consciousness as a strength or a weakness for African Americans? Do you still see double-consciousness at work in American society today?

Review “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others.” What is Du Bois’s primary criticism of Washington’s approach to civil rights and economic opportunity? Do you agree with his critique? Using evidence from the text or other sources, explain why or why not.

Compare and contrast Du Bois’s and Washington’s perspectives on education for African Americans. Which approach do you agree with? Explain why, using evidence from this text or other sources.

Using evidence from the essays, summarize Du Bois’s position on the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of African Americans. Did his prediction that black churches would become more like white churches come true? Use research to support your response.

Du Bois argues against popular representation of African Americans frequently. Discuss at least one stereotype he identifies and the evidence he uses to counter this stereotype. Is this stereotype still prevalent today?

Du Bois uses several personae in The Souls of Black Folk. Describe the voices he assumes and provide examples. How do these personae help him to support his arguments?

Du Bois moves away from explicit sociological, historical, and economic arguments in the last four chapters of the book. Describe the genres of each of the last four essays and explain how these approaches help him to represent African Americans more fully.

Why is Du Bois interested in describing African American spirituals to the reader? How does he use these songs to support his central purpose in the book?