The Souls of Black Folk

What is the color-line that Du Bois discusses in “The Forethought”? What is the veil? Discuss how he uses these metaphors throughout the text.

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.