Ohood Saleh Al-Aqeel
An assistant professor at the Department of English, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
Issue: 35 | Pages: 40-45 | June 2025 | https://doi.org/10.54940/ll20456302 | PDF
Received: 14/09/2023 | Revised: 01/01/2024 | Accepted: 22/01/2024
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Abstract
James Weldon Johnson's novel, "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man," was published in 1912. The protagonist, a biracial man, goes through a journey of racial identity, self-discovery, and passing, during the early 20th century in America. This article explores the theme of shedding the veil, using intersectionality theory and literary analysis. The protagonist's experiences reflect W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness, where he struggles with being both black and American while trying to accept himself. The article highlights the tension between the protagonist's theoretical appreciation for black culture and his practical distancing from it, as well as revealing the complexities of biracial identity in a racially divided society. As the protagonist ages, his relationship with his heritage evolves, and he seeks self-discovery and acceptance. The narrative's exploration of double consciousness emphasizes the ongoing struggles for racial equality and self-identity in historical and contemporary contexts. Through nuanced analysis, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between race, identity, and societal expectations, as portrayed in Johnson's ground-breaking work.
Keywords
African-American Culture, Passing, Biracial Identity, Double Consciousness, Intersectionality.
How to Cite
Alaqeel, O. Navigating Racial Identity: Double Consciousness and Self-Discovery in "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man". Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Language Sciences and Literature. 2025 June; (35): 40-45. https://doi.org/10.54940/ll20456302
License
1658-8126/© 2025-by the Authors. Published by-J. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Lang. Sci. and Lit.-This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of thehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/-