1. Dutchman Literary Analysis By Steve Sebzda as part of 139U Black American Literature taught by Dr. Kimberly Blockett at Penn State Brandywine

2. Assignment Analyze the symbolism in a particular scene of Dutchman Analysis should draw from play as a whole

3. Chosen Moment Lula criticizes Clay’s clothing She says: “Everything you say is wrong. That’s what makes you so attractive. Ha. In that funnybook jacket with all the buttons. What’ve you got that jacket and tie on in all this heat for? And why’re you wearing a jacket and tie like that? Did your people ever burn witches or start revolutions over the price of tea? Boy, those narrow-shoulder clothes come from a tradition you ought to feel oppressed by. A three-button suit. What right do you have to be wearing a three-button suit and striped tie? Your grandfather was a slave, he didn’t go to Harvard. (Gates & McKay 1952)”

4. Clay’s Clothing as a Symbol Clay’s clothes can represent one or two things An attempt to break the mold of an uneducated colored man An attempt to distance himself from his African American culture

5. First Interpretation Clay is trying to break the mold of an uneducated colored man When Clay snaps at Lula, he says: “And let me be the way I want. (Gates & McKay 1958)” Shows he wants to build his own outward appearance that disagrees with the current stereotypes of black men.

6. Second Interpretation Clay tries to distance himself from his African American Culture During his rant, he says: “My people’s madness. Hah! That’s a laugh. My people. They don’t need me to claim them. They got legs and arms of their own. Personal insanities. Mirrors. (Gates & McKay 1959)” This shows he wants nothing to do with people of his race.

7. Context of the Play Clay symbolizes any arbitrary black man who tries his best to succeed in life Lula represents the racists in society The train represents perpetual forward motion of society and the societal norm of hindering colored people.

8. Lula as racism in society Constantly made racists remarks to Clay Called his grandfather a slave (pg. 1952) Called him “Uncle Tom” and “Thomas Wooly-head” (pg. 1957) By the end of the play, she has killed Clay and expelled his body from the train Signifying the literal killing of a black man or that the white supremacists’ goal of hindering a colored person was achieved

9. The Train Reflects 1960’s society of racial tension; the struggle for equal rights never seems to end as does the train ride After Clay is killed, another black man embarks onto the train and Lula gives him a similar glance as she did for Clay Process repeats itself and never ends Also supports idea that Clay represents any arbitrary black man

10. Conclusion Clay’s clothing symbolize: Effort to distinguish himself and break the mold of stereotypes Distance himself from people of his race Clay represents any arbitrary black man Lula represents racism in society The Train represents the seemingly never-ending cycle of black oppression