"It was piled in a jumble along the street, like a lot of junk waiting to be hauled off. then I saw the sullen-faced crowd, looking at a building where two white men were totting out a chair in which an old woman sat; who, as I watched, struck at them feebly with her fist" (pg. 267)
I feel this is the best discription of Harlem in a socal sence, When IM sees this injusticice on the streets it brings out something deep in him to act. No longer is he satisfied with simply knowing his place.
"I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Pg 159
IM is astounded by the way that white people and black people get along in the north. At first, he is afraid and amazed all at once that such things even existed, however as he grows more comfortable in his surroundings, he begins to get used to whites and blacks treating each other as equals. The setting also makes him more sensitive to racism around him. It used to be normal for him, but in New York It is not, so when he sees it, he gets upset by it.
"When I came out of the subway, Lenox Avenue seemed to careen away from me at a drunken angle, and I focused upon the teetering scene with wild, infant's eyes, with my head throbbing. Two huge women with spoiled-cream complexions seemed to struggle with their massive bodies as they came past, their flowered hips trembling like threatening flames." (251)
-This description is after gets aclimated to Harlem, but shows his entire reaction to the area. After his lobotomy, his reaction to Harlem becomes tipsy and shocking. It changes him because he becomes more open minded and diverse. His opinions of goals also change because of the mixing of cultures that are seen.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere." pg 158-159
IM is in shock that black people seem to be normal in Harlem. He's surprised there's so many people surrounding him that are the same race he is. I think this setting is allowing him to see himself as just another person, not having to act perfect for the white people. He seems to feel a sense of purpose.
"Man, this Harlem ain't nothing but a bears den, but I tell you one thing... it's the best place in the world for you and me and if times don't get better soon I'm going to grab that bear and turn him every way but loose." pg. 174
This description is conveying that Harlem is a dangerous place, but it is filled with an immense amount of opportunity. However, he then says that if one of these opportunities does not present itself soon, he will be forced to face these dangers, and just hope to come out on top, and successful.
"Sure I had heard of it but this was real. My courage returned. This really was Harlem, and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." pg. 159
IM is at first very afraid of the new setting he is in. Just a little before, he was worried about being too close to the white woman on the train or looking at her for too long. He is still used to the way things were back home, so he isn't quite sure how to respond yet. As he goes on though, he sees the way that the races can interact in this new place and he seems to realize that he doesn't have to act a certain way. He can say what he wants and be what he wants and that is okay.
"It was dark with the tallness of the buildings and the narrow streets. Armored cars with alert guards went past as I looked for the number. The streets were full of hurrying people who walked as though they had been wound up and were directed by unseen control." (Pg. 164)
IM became very curious about how Harlem changed people and if it would change him. He sees this new setting as a way to find something to do that is important to him which for now it was a job so that he could get back to college. The setting made him want to be like these people because he felt that the people in Harlem were successful. It changes the way he sees Harlem it was different than down south where he came from because all people got along and so he had a new way of seeing things.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere." pg 158-159
IM is in shock to see so many black people walking around with ease. He sees them as a part of the city itself. He sees now that he has a chance to make it and make something of himself, even after his defeat. It makes him feel as if he has a new hope and can fix what he has broken.
"Then in teh street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic - and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Page 159 Invisible Man
The shock that IM is feeling when he sees the white drivers following the orders of the black policeman is due to the fact that he has rarely seen situations were white people would follow the instructions of an African American. This shock is not a bad thing however, as IM later refers to Harlem and the sights that he has seen so far as "a place of dreams." Harlem's greater freedom setting for African Americans will eventually allow IM to break free from his prior ideology of letting society and white people control his life in order to set his more independent, strong, and rebellious self free.
"Then in teh street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic - and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Page 159 Invisible Man
The shock that IM is feeling when he sees the white drivers following the orders of the black policeman is due to the fact that he has rarely seen situations were white people would follow the instructions of an African American. This shock is not a bad thing however, as IM later refers to Harlem and the sights that he has seen so far as "a place of dreams." Harlem's greater freedom setting for African Americans will eventually allow IM to break free from his prior ideology of letting society and white people control his life in order to set his more independent, strong, and rebellious self free.
"my eyes focused into the endless succession of barber shops, beauty parlors, confectioneries, luncheonettes, fish houses, and hog maw joints, walking close to the windows, the snowflakes lacing swift between, simultaneously forming a curtain, a veil, and stripping it aside. (262)
This is the first time that the IM sees Harlem. It's busy and new. There is so much to take in. He is astonished by how different it is than the south. The Harlem streets embrace the African American culture with baking yams that shocks the IM. Harlem is a whole new world compared to the south.
"I had never seen so many blacks people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips I had made with the debating team to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham." (158-159)
On his way there he was afraid and nervous about what to expect. He thought it would be how it always had been for him, but once he saw the black officer directing the white people it became a city of dreams for him. He could do and be what he wanted in Harlem.
"This really was Harlem, and now all of the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (159)
When IM actually gets to Harlem he sees the city as everything he had heard and more. He sees it as the perfect place to work and prepare his return to Tuskegee. As time progresses IM realizes that he will not be returning to Tuskegee and that the city is more corrupt than he thought due to racial barriers. Through his time in Harlem IM moves more from a Booker T. Washington point of view to a Dubois point of view.
"They were everywhere. So many, and moving along with so much tension and noise that I wasn't sure whether they were about to celebrate a holiday or join in a street fight." (pg 159)
This experience is a culture shock for IM. Where he is from, most African Americans do not draw as much attention tho themselves or exist so comfortably in the presence of the white man. Here they coexist normally and contributed equally to the society, like the police officer.
"Why, my God, the must have riots on those things all the time. Why hadn't I read about them?" (pg 158).
IM was not used to the subway system and didn't understand how hectic they became, and how the people are very systematic with the trains. The culture is very different, with something as a simple difference such as a subway train.
"...I had the shock of seeing a black police man directing traffic-and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world."(Pg 159)
IM sees this policeman and immediately is surprised by white drivers obeying commands from a black policeman. This to me exemplifies all of Harlem that it is completely different from the South and blacks actually had opportunities up in Harlem than they did in the South.
"...I had the shock of seeing a black police man directing traffic-and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world."(Pg 159)
IM sees this policeman and immediately is surprised by white drivers obeying commands from a black policeman. This to me exemplifies all of Harlem that it is completely different from the South and blacks actually had opportunities up in Harlem than they did in the South.
"Then in the street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic - and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." (page 159)
Invisible Man is completely shocked by Harlem. IM describes the scene of an African American policeman directing traffic as surprising because in the South at Tuskegee, the idea forced upon the students by Dr. Bledsoe was that the black man should know his place under the white man. In this situation, a black man holds authority over the white man, which contradicts IM's prior beliefs.
"Then at the street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic-- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed" (p. 159)
He sees that the black man can do more than just obey the white man. He can call the shots that the white man must follow. IM experiences a whole different world.
"Then at the street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic-- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed" (p. 159)
He sees that the black man can do more than just obey the white man. He can call the shots that the white man must follow. IM experiences a whole different world.
"This really was Harlem... For this was not the city of realities, but of dreams." (page 159)
IM reacts in a scared, skittish way. He later says he has fears like he did as a child. He sees black people being treated as if they actually matter, and this was not the norm in the south. His opinions later change when he realizes that they are not treated as well as he thought they were. IM lets Harlem change him by, it seems to me, wanting power and greed, especially when he joins the Brotherhood. He denies that he was being selfish about the article, but it seems as if he did not mention the Brotherhood purposefully, and was very angered when he was demoted as the spokesperson.
"Sure I had heard of it, but this was real. My courage returned. This really was Harlem and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (159)
Harlem was almost unimaginable for IM. Being in the city now was unreal. IM had a culture shock. There is peace. Black and White people are getting moderately along and it was hard for IM to believe.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere." pg 158-159
IM can't that there are so many black people walking around with no problem. This helps him realize that being here, he might be able to make something of himself. It fills him with hope.
"My courage returned. This really was Harlem, and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaded alive in my mind...For me this was not a city of realities, but of dreams." (159) IM was scared of the city when first arriving, but he was potential in his new life. There were blacks and whites mingled together and this was freedom compared to the South. IM had only heard stories of Harlem, but now he was here.
"My courage returned. This really was Harlem, and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaded alive in my mind...For me this was not a city of realities, but of dreams." (159) IM was scared of the city when first arriving, but he was potential in his new life. There were blacks and whites mingled together and this was freedom compared to the South. IM had only heard stories of Harlem, but now he was here.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic--not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere," (158-159).
IM is surprised that the blacks and whites in Harlem seem to be moving naturally amongst each other with no problems. He is at first nervous about this due to his shock, but then the sight calms him somewhat and gives him hope that he may be able to accomplish his goals without as much trouble from racists as in the south.
"It was dark with a tallness of the buildings and narrow streets. Armored cars with alert guards went past as I looked for the number. The streets were full of hurrying people who walked as though they had been wound up and were directed by some unseen control." pg. 164
IM is not accustomed to people walking around with a purpose. He isn't used to seeing the mixture of races who have the same jobs and treat each other equally in a way. Harlem is new territory for him. It changes him and his outlook, he is hopeful that something very good will come out of his experience there.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic- not even on trips I had made with the debating team to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham." pg.158
IM immediately receives a view of a whole new world at this point, and at this point IM begins to realize that black people can make something of themselves in the north, and that he can be a part of it and do that very thing.
"They were everywhere. So many, and moving along with so much tension and noise that I wasn't sure they were about to celebrate a holiday or join in a street fight....this really was Harlem". (159)
Invisible Man is stunned to see and believe the atmosphere that Harlem possesses. Not only is there buildings, traffic, and signs everywhere, but the people are extremely different compared to the South. The people are more expressive, individualized, and open-minded. IM is surprised by the capacity of freedom that exists here. He begins to adapt to the diversity of Harlem.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic..." (158-159)
IM realizes that he is in the city and things are different up north than in the south. He says even in southern cities, like New Orleans, Dallas, and Birmingham, he's never seen so many black people. He hears a small voice suggesting that he can have many possibilities in this city.
all of the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (159) -IM was ecstatic that Harlem was like a whole new world and that he was able to be in it without being seen as a minority black person and actually enjoy everything
"I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Pg 159
IM can not believe that the white people are obeying the police officer. He is completely astonished how natural everyone is. He just can not believe that whites and blacks get along, and he really can't believe that they respect each other.
"Sure I had heard of it, but this was real. My courage returned. This really was Harlem and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (pg 159)
Harlem came as a shock to IM, because it seemed as if the American dream was almost real here. Blacks and whites get along there and live as if they are somewhat equal to each other. He can not believe it.
"It was piled in a jumble along the street, like a lot of junk waiting to be hauled off. then I saw the sullen-faced crowd, looking at a building where two white men were totting out a chair in which an old woman sat; who, as I watched, struck at them feebly with her fist" (pg. 267)
ReplyDeleteI feel this is the best discription of Harlem in a socal sence, When IM sees this injusticice on the streets it brings out something deep in him to act. No longer is he satisfied with simply knowing his place.
"I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Pg 159
ReplyDeleteIM is astounded by the way that white people and black people get along in the north. At first, he is afraid and amazed all at once that such things even existed, however as he grows more comfortable in his surroundings, he begins to get used to whites and blacks treating each other as equals. The setting also makes him more sensitive to racism around him. It used to be normal for him, but in New York It is not, so when he sees it, he gets upset by it.
"When I came out of the subway, Lenox Avenue seemed to careen away from me at a drunken angle, and I focused upon the teetering scene with wild, infant's eyes, with my head throbbing. Two huge women with spoiled-cream complexions seemed to struggle with their massive bodies as they came past, their flowered hips trembling like threatening flames." (251)
ReplyDelete-This description is after gets aclimated to Harlem, but shows his entire reaction to the area. After his lobotomy, his reaction to Harlem becomes tipsy and shocking. It changes him because he becomes more open minded and diverse. His opinions of goals also change because of the mixing of cultures that are seen.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere." pg 158-159
ReplyDeleteIM is in shock that black people seem to be normal in Harlem. He's surprised there's so many people surrounding him that are the same race he is. I think this setting is allowing him to see himself as just another person, not having to act perfect for the white people. He seems to feel a sense of purpose.
"Man, this Harlem ain't nothing but a bears den, but I tell you one thing... it's the best place in the world for you and me and if times don't get better soon I'm going to grab that bear and turn him every way but loose." pg. 174
ReplyDeleteThis description is conveying that Harlem is a dangerous place, but it is filled with an immense amount of opportunity. However, he then says that if one of these opportunities does not present itself soon, he will be forced to face these dangers, and just hope to come out on top, and successful.
"Sure I had heard of it but this was real. My courage returned. This really was Harlem, and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." pg. 159
ReplyDeleteIM is at first very afraid of the new setting he is in. Just a little before, he was worried about being too close to the white woman on the train or looking at her for too long. He is still used to the way things were back home, so he isn't quite sure how to respond yet. As he goes on though, he sees the way that the races can interact in this new place and he seems to realize that he doesn't have to act a certain way. He can say what he wants and be what he wants and that is okay.
"It was dark with the tallness of the buildings and the narrow streets. Armored cars with alert guards went past as I looked for the number. The streets were full of hurrying people who walked as though they had been wound up and were directed by unseen control." (Pg. 164)
ReplyDeleteIM became very curious about how Harlem changed people and if it would change him. He sees this new setting as a way to find something to do that is important to him which for now it was a job so that he could get back to college. The setting made him want to be like these people because he felt that the people in Harlem were successful. It changes the way he sees Harlem it was different than down south where he came from because all people got along and so he had a new way of seeing things.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere." pg 158-159
ReplyDeleteIM is in shock to see so many black people walking around with ease. He sees them as a part of the city itself. He sees now that he has a chance to make it and make something of himself, even after his defeat. It makes him feel as if he has a new hope and can fix what he has broken.
"Then in teh street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic - and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Page 159 Invisible Man
ReplyDeleteThe shock that IM is feeling when he sees the white drivers following the orders of the black policeman is due to the fact that he has rarely seen situations were white people would follow the instructions of an African American. This shock is not a bad thing however, as IM later refers to Harlem and the sights that he has seen so far as "a place of dreams." Harlem's greater freedom setting for African Americans will eventually allow IM to break free from his prior ideology of letting society and white people control his life in order to set his more independent, strong, and rebellious self free.
"Then in teh street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic - and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Page 159 Invisible Man
ReplyDeleteThe shock that IM is feeling when he sees the white drivers following the orders of the black policeman is due to the fact that he has rarely seen situations were white people would follow the instructions of an African American. This shock is not a bad thing however, as IM later refers to Harlem and the sights that he has seen so far as "a place of dreams." Harlem's greater freedom setting for African Americans will eventually allow IM to break free from his prior ideology of letting society and white people control his life in order to set his more independent, strong, and rebellious self free.
"my eyes focused into the endless succession of barber shops, beauty parlors, confectioneries, luncheonettes, fish houses, and hog maw joints, walking close to the windows, the snowflakes lacing swift between, simultaneously forming a curtain, a veil, and stripping it aside. (262)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time that the IM sees Harlem. It's busy and new. There is so much to take in. He is astonished by how different it is than the south. The Harlem streets embrace the African American culture with baking yams that shocks the IM. Harlem is a whole new world compared to the south.
"I had never seen so many blacks people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips I had made with the debating team to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham." (158-159)
ReplyDeleteOn his way there he was afraid and nervous about what to expect. He thought it would be how it always had been for him, but once he saw the black officer directing the white people it became a city of dreams for him. He could do and be what he wanted in Harlem.
"This really was Harlem, and now all of the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (159)
ReplyDeleteWhen IM actually gets to Harlem he sees the city as everything he had heard and more. He sees it as the perfect place to work and prepare his return to Tuskegee. As time progresses IM realizes that he will not be returning to Tuskegee and that the city is more corrupt than he thought due to racial barriers. Through his time in Harlem IM moves more from a Booker T. Washington point of view to a Dubois point of view.
"They were everywhere. So many, and moving along with so much tension and noise that I wasn't sure whether they were about to celebrate a holiday or join in a street fight." (pg 159)
ReplyDeleteThis experience is a culture shock for IM. Where he is from, most African Americans do not draw as much attention tho themselves or exist so comfortably in the presence of the white man. Here they coexist normally and contributed equally to the society, like the police officer.
"Why, my God, the must have riots on those things all the time. Why hadn't I read about them?" (pg 158).
ReplyDeleteIM was not used to the subway system and didn't understand how hectic they became, and how the people are very systematic with the trains. The culture is very different, with something as a simple difference such as a subway train.
"...I had the shock of seeing a black police man directing traffic-and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world."(Pg 159)
ReplyDeleteIM sees this policeman and immediately is surprised by white drivers obeying commands from a black policeman. This to me exemplifies all of Harlem that it is completely different from the South and blacks actually had opportunities up in Harlem than they did in the South.
"...I had the shock of seeing a black police man directing traffic-and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world."(Pg 159)
ReplyDeleteIM sees this policeman and immediately is surprised by white drivers obeying commands from a black policeman. This to me exemplifies all of Harlem that it is completely different from the South and blacks actually had opportunities up in Harlem than they did in the South.
"Then in the street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic - and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." (page 159)
ReplyDeleteInvisible Man is completely shocked by Harlem. IM describes the scene of an African American policeman directing traffic as surprising because in the South at Tuskegee, the idea forced upon the students by Dr. Bledsoe was that the black man should know his place under the white man. In this situation, a black man holds authority over the white man, which contradicts IM's prior beliefs.
"Then at the street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic-- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed" (p. 159)
ReplyDeleteHe sees that the black man can do more than just obey the white man. He can call the shots that the white man must follow. IM experiences a whole different world.
"Then at the street intersection I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic-- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed" (p. 159)
ReplyDeleteHe sees that the black man can do more than just obey the white man. He can call the shots that the white man must follow. IM experiences a whole different world.
"This really was Harlem... For this was not the city of realities, but of dreams." (page 159)
ReplyDeleteIM reacts in a scared, skittish way. He later says he has fears like he did as a child. He sees black people being treated as if they actually matter, and this was not the norm in the south. His opinions later change when he realizes that they are not treated as well as he thought they were. IM lets Harlem change him by, it seems to me, wanting power and greed, especially when he joins the Brotherhood. He denies that he was being selfish about the article, but it seems as if he did not mention the Brotherhood purposefully, and was very angered when he was demoted as the spokesperson.
"Sure I had heard of it, but this was real. My courage returned. This really was Harlem and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (159)
ReplyDeleteHarlem was almost unimaginable for IM. Being in the city now was unreal. IM had a culture shock. There is peace. Black and White people are getting moderately along and it was hard for IM to believe.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic-not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere." pg 158-159
ReplyDeleteIM can't that there are so many black people walking around with no problem. This helps him realize that being here, he might be able to make something of himself. It fills him with hope.
"My courage returned. This really was Harlem, and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaded alive in my mind...For me this was not a city of realities, but of dreams."
ReplyDelete(159)
IM was scared of the city when first arriving, but he was potential in his new life. There were blacks and whites mingled together and this was freedom compared to the South. IM had only heard stories of Harlem, but now he was here.
"My courage returned. This really was Harlem, and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaded alive in my mind...For me this was not a city of realities, but of dreams."
ReplyDelete(159)
IM was scared of the city when first arriving, but he was potential in his new life. There were blacks and whites mingled together and this was freedom compared to the South. IM had only heard stories of Harlem, but now he was here.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic--not even on trips to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham. They were everywhere," (158-159).
ReplyDeleteIM is surprised that the blacks and whites in Harlem seem to be moving naturally amongst each other with no problems. He is at first nervous about this due to his shock, but then the sight calms him somewhat and gives him hope that he may be able to accomplish his goals without as much trouble from racists as in the south.
"It was dark with a tallness of the buildings and narrow streets. Armored cars with alert guards went past as I looked for the number. The streets were full of hurrying people who walked as though they had been wound up and were directed by some unseen control." pg. 164
ReplyDeleteIM is not accustomed to people walking around with a purpose. He isn't used to seeing the mixture of races who have the same jobs and treat each other equally in a way. Harlem is new territory for him. It changes him and his outlook, he is hopeful that something very good will come out of his experience there.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic- not even on trips I had made with the debating team to New Orleans, Dallas, or Birmingham." pg.158
ReplyDeleteIM immediately receives a view of a whole new world at this point, and at this point IM begins to realize that black people can make something of themselves in the north, and that he can be a part of it and do that very thing.
"They were everywhere. So many, and moving along with so much tension and noise that I wasn't sure they were about to celebrate a holiday or join in a street fight....this really was Harlem". (159)
ReplyDeleteInvisible Man is stunned to see and believe the atmosphere that Harlem possesses. Not only is there buildings, traffic, and signs everywhere, but the people are extremely different compared to the South. The people are more expressive, individualized, and open-minded. IM is surprised by the capacity of freedom that exists here. He begins to adapt to the diversity of Harlem.
"I had never seen so many black people against a background of brick buildings, neon signs, plate glass and roaring traffic..." (158-159)
ReplyDeleteIM realizes that he is in the city and things are different up north than in the south. He says even in southern cities, like New Orleans, Dallas, and Birmingham, he's never seen so many black people. He hears a small voice suggesting that he can have many possibilities in this city.
all of the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (159)
ReplyDelete-IM was ecstatic that Harlem was like a whole new world and that he was able to be in it without being seen as a minority black person and actually enjoy everything
"I had the shock of seeing a black policeman directing traffic- and there were white drivers in the traffic who obeyed his signals as though it was the most natural thing in the world." Pg 159
ReplyDeleteIM can not believe that the white people are obeying the police officer. He is completely astonished how natural everyone is. He just can not believe that whites and blacks get along, and he really can't believe that they respect each other.
"Sure I had heard of it, but this was real. My courage returned. This really was Harlem and now all the stories which I had heard of the city-within-a-city leaped alive in my mind." (pg 159)
ReplyDeleteHarlem came as a shock to IM, because it seemed as if the American dream was almost real here. Blacks and whites get along there and live as if they are somewhat equal to each other. He can not believe it.