... a relatively unhappy childhood. He grew up under harsh and struggling conditions in a very poor part of town. James grew up as the first of nine children. He learned he was not only poor and black but the ugliest child his stepfather had ever seen, with a weak body and pop eyes. ... profession. Rebelling against his household responsibilities, he soon moved to Greenwich Village and began to write a novel. He supported himself by performing a variety of odd jobs: handyman, porter, elevator operator, office boy, factory, worker, dishwasher, and a file clerk. He also took up a job in the de...

• Word Count: 2515
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School