How It Feels To Be Colored Me And Modernism Analysis

One the defining tendencies of Modernist writers is the rather melancholy stance they seem to take while pondering the world. They often suggest rather than state, emphasize questions over answers, and generally show rather than tell. All of this reinforcing the deep dissatisfaction they have with the traditions of society. Thus, it is particular interesting to look at a piece of Modernist literature that breaks the typical Modernist mold. For while Zora Hurston’s “How it Feels to be Colored Me” falls within the Modernist period, it is a Harlem Renaissance piece through and through. Hurston does not suggest, rather she boldly declares. She shows little care for questions, as she has already arrived at the answers. Where the diction of other Modernist works is scaled back, Hurston’s is vibrant, colorful and lively. However, these differences do not demonstrate a lack of reflection, rather it simply illustrates a change in perspective. For Hurston has pondered her place in the world like the many other writers of her time, the difference is simply Hurston has actually found it. Thus, she boisterously shouts the awe-inspiring confidence one should have in themselves, the pride one should take in their unique perspectives, while reminding her readers that …show more content…
These characteristics are human however, if all were gathered and spread around nothing would change too much, because they were all human traits to begin with. God made everyone, other than a few pieces of glass here and there, a few obscure traits, everyone is the same, even Zora for all her confidence identifies with this concept the most. Thus, the rather strange blend of pride and carless abandon for race that fills Hurston’s prose makes perfect sense. For in the end, she is still human, and that is what is most