The Souls of Black Folk · Chapter
Of Alexander Crummell explained
This chapter tells the story of Alexander Crummell, a black boy who struggled against three temptations: Hate, Despair, and Doubt.
What happens
This chapter tells the story of Alexander Crummell, a black boy who struggled against three temptations: Hate, Despair, and Doubt. It traces his journey from childhood, through his education at Beriah Green's school, his rejection from the General Theological Seminary, and his eventual ordination and life's work. The narrative highlights his unbending righteousness and the tragedy that the world knew so little of him.
Themes in this chapter
The Veil
Crummell lived and worked within the Veil, and the narrator sweeps the Veil away to reveal his soul.
Double Consciousness
Crummell's struggle to know the world and himself, and the revelation of thought and longing under one black skin.
Religion and the Black Church
Crummell's calling to be a priest and his work in an Episcopal chapel to lead, teach, and inspire his people.
Characters to notice
- Alexander Crummell
The central figure of the chapter, a black boy who grows to become a priest and leader, facing temptations of Hate, Despair, and Doubt.
- The Narrator
The narrator who meets Alexander Crummell at a Wilberforce commencement and later reflects on his life and legacy.
- Beriah Green
The abolitionist who brought Alexander Crummell to his school in Oneida County, New York, helping to lift the shadow of Hate.
- Young John Jay
One of those who extended kind hands to Crummell, urging him on in his quest for the priesthood.
- Bishop Onderdonk
The venerable Bishop who raised his white arms above the Negro deacon during Crummell's ordination in old St. Paul's.
Key passages
“This is the story of a human heart—the tale of a black boy who many long years ago began to struggle with life that he might know the world and know himself.”
This narrative recounts the inner life of a black boy who, years ago, strove to understand both the world and his own identity.
Opening lines introducing the chapter's focus on Crummell's personal journey.
“Three temptations he met on those dark dunes that lay gray and dismal before the wonder-eyes of the child: the temptation of Hate, that stood out against the red dawn; the temptation of Despair, that darkened noonday; and the temptation of Doubt, that ever steals along with twilight.”
The child faced three temptations: Hate at dawn, Despair at noon, and Doubt at twilight.
Describes the three central temptations Crummell encountered.
“I saw Alexander Crummell first at a Wilberforce commencement season, amid its bustle and crush. Tall, frail, and black he stood, with simple dignity and an unmistakable air of good breeding.”
The narrator first met Alexander Crummell at a Wilberforce commencement, where he appeared tall, frail, and black, carrying himself with dignity and breeding.
First impression of Crummell by the narrator.
“The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church cannot admit a Negro.”
The seminary refused to admit a black student.
Key instance of racial discrimination in religious education.
“He did his work—he did it nobly and well; and yet I sorrow that here he worked alone, with so little human sympathy.”
Crummell performed his work admirably, but the narrator laments that he did so with little support or understanding from others.
Reflection on Crummell's isolation and the tragedy of unrecognized greatness.
