Booker_T._Washington

Jake St. John American History II Tim Lehman February 8, 2009 From the Ground Up To answer the first choice on the essay list of, is Booker T. Washington’s autobiography a classic “rags-to-riches” story I am going to explain how it is by using examples from the text, explain the key components to his success, tell of any uniqueness to his story and say what I think Zitkala-Sa would say of his groundbreaking tale. This is a classic rags to riches story first of all, because of how Booker started out his life. He was born on a plantation but unaware of the exact place and date. Booker grew up in the classic epitome of a hard life surrounding and bringing up; Washington states, “My life had its beginning in the midst of the most miserable, desolate, and discouraging surroundings” (Oxford 1). He did not know of any of his family or relatives personally outside of his mother. Booker’s living conditions were also a prime example of the worst one could imagine, “The cabin was not our living-place, but was also used as the kitchen for the plantation...the cabin was without glass windows; it had only openings in the side which let in the light, and also the cold, chilly air of winter” (Oxford 2). Booker was also not as much neglected by his mother but just that she didn’t have time with being the plantation cook and having to share her time with all of her children. Washington says, “One of my earliest recollections is that of my mother cooking a chicken late at night, and awakening her children for the purpose of feeding them. How or where she got it I do not know. I presume, however, it was procured from our owner’s farm” (Oxford 3). Along with Washington I wouldn’t consider this to be theft but to be what needs to be done to survive. I like how Booker put it, “I should condemn it as theft myself. But taking place at the time it did, and for the reason that it did, no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving” (Oxford 3). The first step to Booker starting to gain wealth and get out of the slumps is when the slaves were all freed and able to pursue a normal life and happiness. His first opportunity outside of slavery he pursued; Booker started working at a salt-mining job with his stepfather and then taught himself how to read. Washington explains, “From the time that I can remember having any thoughts about anything, I recall that I had an intense longing to learn to read. I determined, when quite a small child, that, if I accomplish anything else in life, I would in some way get enough education to enable me to read common books and newspapers” (Oxford 16). Finally, Booker found his way to Hampton College to pursue an education by living with Mrs. Ruffner and going to school an hour each day during the winter. He would also do his own studying by himself. When Booker left for his education at Hampton, this reminded me of when Zitkala-Sa left for her better education with the whites. Washington describes, “I had not been away from home for many hours before it began to grow painfully evident I did not have enough money to pay my fare to Hampton” (Oxford 27). I don’t know why but when I came across this line it reminded me of how she felt pain while leaving and how she missed home so much before she had already been gone. How this book topped off the finale of how I feel this is a classic rags to riches story is how he built himself up and put together his own school in Tuskegee and then was invited to give his speech in front of thousands of people. I found it admirable how Booker wasn’t all about dissing the whites how the South had abused him and his family along with the rest of his peers. It was astonishing how Booker said, “...that the whole future of the Negro rested largely upon the question as to whether or not he should make himself, through his skill, intelligence, and character...” (Oxford 118). I feel that this quote can be aimed at all citizens aiming for a higher education and to accomplish something unknown to their family. The key components that I feel are a factor in his success are his willingness to learn and work hard, the hardships that he overcame, and never giving up on his goals. What is so unique about Mr. Washington is that in his story he never holds a grudge or has a hate towards the whites for what happened to him and all other slaves. I believe Zitkala-Sa would enjoy this story because she could easily relate to the discrimination and the hardships he has faced. I think that she would trade knowledge with Mr. Washington on how she dealt with the hard times she faced. This story relates to Document 99 with Chief Joseph and Chapter 17 in Give Me Liberty because first of all in Chief Joseph’s story he’s talks in front of a distinguished group of people at Lincoln Hall explaining why and how the restriction of his people to reservations is wrong and, well, restricting just like how the slaves were restricted to an almost similar ‘reservation’ on their plantation. Second of all, Chapter 17 in Give Me Liberty relates to this story through imperialism and how it makes people come in and do work for countries and people other than their own. Booker T. Washington’s story was a very fascinating one that I have always heard about and knew very little of; this book is one biography that is worth reading that doesn’t bore you with the person being bragged about or having to listen to their hardships but rather how they fought through them and never quit from their goals.