The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man, by James Weldon Johnson, was published anonymously in 1912 in hopes for passing his

work off as a real autobiography Told in first person None of the characters have names, except for two and they have been given nicknames (Shiny and Red Head) The main character expresses he is about to reveal his deepest secret, and it is in the interest of protecting those who would be affected by the secret is the reason that no names are given Did not sell until the Harlem Renaissance when black literature was more acceptable At this time James Weldon acknowledged he was the actual author

Background Information

About the Author

Graduate from Atlanta University 1894-Florida, he was principal for the states first high school for black students 1895- Began publishing the nations first black daily newspaper, the Jacksonville Daily American 1867-Author of Lift Evry Voice and Sing, which came to be known as the Negro National Anthem. He served as United States consul to Venezuela and to Nicaragua between 1906 and 1913
Wrote The autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man

1916- Johnson joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), working as a field secretary before becoming executive secretary in 1920 1927- published his most notable book of original poetry, Gods Trombones 1930s,-Professor of creative writing at Fisk University and lectured widely on African American literature and culture.

Exposition and Rising Action

Millionaire and main character travels to Europe Paris, London, Berlin Main character serves as a companion rather than a servant towards his millionaire friend
Well dressed Lives comfortably (enjoys fine dining and theater) Paid well

Philosophy of being treated as an equal rather than a servant is the underlying viewpoint in Europe
Racial prejudice is virtually non existent

Runs into his biological father and his fathers new family at the Opera Takes comfort in his music and begins playing American Ragtime in Europe, but feels hopeless for not doing anything productive with his talents (composing furthering his learning skills) Formulates the idea to return back to the United States specifically tot he South
Rearrange Ragtime and other African American music
In term he would transform them into higher art forms

Millionaire strongly discourages his decision

Declared that his employee would not be successful at accomplishing any of his goals as a black man in America

Climax
Discusses the Negro question with a black man aboard the ship back to the states Discusses the Negro question with a Jewish man, a young professor, an old Union soldier who had fought through the Civil War, and cotton planter from Texas
Texan and old soldier- Both dislike Blacks and held many prejudices The difference was that the Soldier voiced virtues and the cotton planter tended to openly discriminate

Once in the South the main character became discouraged after witnessing the extreme improvised state of his people and how they were intentionally placed in society to remain in such state Witnessed a lynching and overkill of an African American man

Falling Action and Resolution

Sought refuge in New York
Assumes the identity as a white man Job as a Clerk Takes pride in saving money Invests in Real Estate

Falls in love with a white Woman

Conflict: Wants to marry her
Reveal his identity as a black man
Will she accept him or deny him

Eventually marries and starts a family

With the death of his wife he continues to conceal his identity as a Black man even from his children