Reading Notes W3: Self-Reliance, Part B

Background:

James Whitfield is an African-American man who was born a free man in the late 1800's. He lived in New York and worked as a barber before deciding to move to San Francisco to pursue his career in writing. During his lifetime Slavery in the south was still happening and Whitfield was big on abolitionism. Whitfield wrote a lot about abolitionism and his support for freedom during the Civil War. From what we know, Whitfield wrote about abolition and the freedom of slaves until his death in 1871.

Summary:

This reading was different from the rest of the stories we have been reading, but nonetheless it was still interesting to read. Unlike the rest of the stories this was a poem with no true characters or plot, but was more about self reflection and ideals. Whitfield talks a lot about the ideal man, and the characteristics that the ideal man could portray. Whitfield talks about a strong man that "cares not for the world's applause" and "seeks the welfare of his kind." It is clear that Whitfield is a godly man, and I think that being a God-focused man during this time period is to be expected. Whitfield is constantly referring to God in this poem, and drives across the notion that being one with God and practicing God's teaching will make you into a better person. Whitfield talks a lot about adversity and overcoming said adversity to make you into a stronger man. I think that in this context when Whitfield uses words like "When all the powers of earth and hell Combine to break his spirit down" he is possibly talking about blacks during slavery. I believe that Whitfield is writing this as a message to others that blacks in the south that are not free men and are still slaves are hurting and facing the biggest adversity imaginable. But through all their hardships the black people should persevere and keep going on, without giving up hope. Whitfield was a true believer in abolitionism and believed that an end to slavery should and could happen and it did! This poem was a reminder that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and to never give up hope of a brighter day.