The biography of an ex colored man summary

The autobiography of an ex colored man chapter 11 summary

He describes his early childhood growing up in a small town in Georgia right after the Civil War. His earliest memories are punctuated by his father's infrequent visits. He remembers that his father once gave him a small coin with a hole bored through it that he still wears around his neck. She earns money by sewing. Early on, the narrator takes up the piano, imitating the songs his mother plays.

He finds much joy in music, soon surpassing his mother and impressing his first teacher with his natural gift. He also embraces his school books and loves learning as much as he loves playing the piano. After a few pleasant years at a private school, the narrator's mother enrolls him in a public school. Their friendship is cemented when the narrator saves Red from embarrassing himself during a spelling competition.

The narrator stands along with the rest of his white classmates, but is surprised when the principal tells him to sit down. The narrator is confused and shocked, overhearing other students saying they always knew he was "colored". Tormented, he implores his mother to tell him if he is a "nigger".

The autobiography of an ex colored man themes

Her eyes well with tears, but she tells him that he is not a "nigger". The narrator keeps pressing his mother and asks her if she is white and if he is white. She finally says no, but quickly adds that his father is a great man.