Poetry · Chapter
To W. E. B. DuBois—Scholar explained
The speaker addresses W.
What happens
The speaker addresses W. E. B. DuBois as a majestic, isolated figure who shines light through darkness and despair, offering faith, hope, and strength to those suffering. The poem blends reverence with a plea for guidance, celebrating DuBois's role as a beacon of resilience and spiritual uplift.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the speaker admits a desperate desire to "mend the fabric of my youth" and "com…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Racial Identity and Oppression
DuBois is portrayed as a solitary light in the 'dank and gloom' of racial oppression, guiding others through struggle.
- Spirituality and Transcendence
The poem uses religious imagery (Sanctus, Nunc Dimittus, resurrection) to frame DuBois's work as a spiritual mission.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Grandly isolate as the god of day— Blazing an orbit through the dank and gloom Of misty morning, far and fair you loom, Flooding the dimness with your golden ray”
You stand alone and majestic like the sun, cutting through the dark and fog of a dreary morning, appearing distant yet beautiful, filling the shadows with your light.
DuBois is compared to the sun, a solitary source of illumination in a world of oppression and confusion.
“Teaching of Faith and Hope o’er the tomb, Where both, though buried, spring to newer bloom— Strengthened and sweet from the mound of decay.”
You teach us about faith and hope even in the face of death, where these virtues, though seemingly buried, rise again renewed and sweeter from the grave.
DuBois instills resilience, showing that faith and hope can be reborn stronger after loss.
“Lead, lead us on o’er the furthermost stair— Light of our impotence! Joy of our tongue!”
Guide us onward up the highest step—you are the light in our weakness and the joy in our speech!
The speaker implores DuBois to continue leading the marginalized toward progress and expression.
