The Autobiography of an Ex- Coloured Man was Johnson’s best-known book. This novel examined race relations in the United States through its narrator who wrestles with the question of his racial identity. This is the story of a nameless protagonist who, because his physical appearance is not identifiably “black” he is able to assume the identity of a white American and “pass.” As I analyze Johnson’s work there are several critical concepts that apply to this particular piece of work. I would like to

The first thing that this powerful piece of writing explores is the idea of Double Consciousness. Double Consciousness is the sense of looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. Double Consciousness is an idea of two- ness, being an American and a Negro. Having two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings, and two warring ideals in one dark body.

examine double consciousness, and passing.

The way Johnson looked at the world one way when he thought he was white, and then the way he was forced to look at things once he realized he was an African American was interesting. It was like he was having a pleasant time in the “white” world. Once he found out he was black his whole outlook on things changed. He changed and the teachers changed toward him. He always understood the black status but it was different once he learned it was also his status. He knew that he would be treated different and would have different rules to live by. This is the Double Consciousness that W.E.B. Dubois introduced to the world.

Growing up Johnson thought he was white. A

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