Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915)
William L. Andrews
Classroom Issues and Strategies
Students typically ask questions like these: Why was Washington such
an accommodationist? Why did he seem so ready to accept the values of the
dominant culture and political system? Why was he always so restrained
and unwilling to say anything to upset the white supremacy status quo?
I point out Washington's training at Hampton Institute, where he learned
very early what white people wanted and how little could be accomplished
without pleasing them. Also note that Washington is trying to build a source
of black power in the South and cannot do so unless he makes his work seem
apolitical (when it isn't).
Consider also these questions: What is the best way for a minority group
to advance their own cause when faced with either outright hostility or
fear and mistrust? Is Washington's tactic the most effective? What are
its costs and advantages?
Major Themes, Historical Perspectives, and Personal Issues
What is Washington's relationship to Douglass,
the leader whose mantle he adopted? What kind of realism is Washington
advocating and how does it accord with literary realism? How does Washington
fit into the tradition of the Franklinesque self-made man?
Significant Form, Style, or Artistic Conventions
What sort of slave narrative is Washington writing, in contrast to Douglass's?
Compare the first two chapters of both men's autobiographies to see where
they resemble each other and differ. Generally Washington poses as a man
of facts, not feelings, but does he sometimes betray strong feelings?
Stress the willingness of turn-of-the-century readers to believe a black
man who is full of optimism about progress. How might such a message be
received today--with how much suspicion?
Comparisons, Contrasts, Connections
Compare to Douglass
and Chesnutt, especially
in their depiction of slavery. Why would Washington play down the horrors
I recommend the chapter entitled "Lost in a Cause" in Robert
Stepto's From Behind the Veil. Urbana: Illinois University Press,