Behind the Veil: Revolution vs Assimilation

In The Soul’s of Black Folk, by W.E.B Du Bois, the concept of a “veil” is prominently depicted throughout the literary piece. Du Bois introduces the image of a “veil” between the black man’s world, where identity is made for him, and the white world, where there are more opportunities and possibilities. In chapter four, he recounts…

The Veil: A Self Conscious Metaphor

In W.E.B. Du Bois’ work titled The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. Du Bois initially applies the metaphor of ‘the veil’ to represent an existent color-line in the aftermath of the Civil War. On page two of the first chapter, titled “Of Our Spiritual Strivings”, this idea of ‘the veil’ is introduced to the reader…