Question

1. which of the following best represents the mood of zora neale hurstons opening paragraph?

a. joyful
b. shocked how do you know?
c. content
d. fortunate

how it feels to be colored me
by zora neale hurston
1979

zora neale hurston (1891 - 1960) was an african american novelist, short story writer, folklorist, anthropologist, and one of the most important figures of the harlem renaissance. in this personal essay, hurston explores her identity as a black woman in the early 1900s. note: throughout this work, hurston uses the term \colored\ as a racial descriptor. the term \colored\ was introduced in the united states in the early 19th century and while it was initially accepted by black americans it has since become an offensive and outdated term.

as you read, take notes on hurstons use of figurative language throughout the text.

1
i am colored but i offer nothing in the way of extenuating circumstances except the fact
that i am the only negro in the united states
whose grandfather on the mother’s side was
not an indian chief.

Explanation:

To determine the mood of the opening paragraph of "How It Feels to Be Colored Me", we analyze the tone and language. The line "I am colored but I offer nothing in the way of extenuating circumstances except the fact that I am the only Negro in the United States whose grandfather on the mother’s side was not an Indian chief" has a light - hearted, almost playful tone. The word "joyful" (option a) fits as the author's tone seems cheerful. "Shocked" (b) is incorrect as there's no shock - inducing content. "Content" (c) implies a more sedate satisfaction, while the tone here is more lively. "Fortunate" (d) focuses on luck, which isn't the main mood here.

Answer:

a. Joyful