Assignment Question

Read The Fourth of July by Audre Lorde and try to answer these questions in your essay based on Audre father and his focus on the story. Breakdown and get deep into the story. *What role did Audre’s father play in this experience? Where can you find evidence throughout the text? What did you think of him and why? What can you see about how he handled the cancelled school trip, train ride, ice cream experience? His explanations over time?

Answer

Introduction

Audre Lorde’s essay, “The Fourth of July,” offers readers a poignant account of her experience with racial prejudice during a family vacation to Washington, D.C. Within this narrative, Audre’s father plays a central role in shaping her perception of race and injustice. This essay seeks to analyze Audre’s father’s role throughout the text, examining the evidence of his actions and explanations. By delving deep into the story, we aim to understand how Audre’s father’s responses to adversity influenced her and contributed to the broader themes explored in the essay.

Audre’s Father’s Initial Enthusiasm

At the outset of the story, Audre’s father’s excitement about the family’s trip to the nation’s capital is evident. He enthusiastically plans the journey and intends to use this opportunity to educate his children about American history. Audre writes, “My father was talking to us as we left the station, telling us about the important monuments and the history of the city, until he realized that we were no longer listening to him” (Lorde, 1982).

A Father’s Vision for an Educational Experience

Audre’s father’s initial enthusiasm for the trip reveals his vision of providing his children with a meaningful educational experience. He intends to use this journey as a tool to teach them about American history and heritage, emphasizing the importance of historical monuments and the significance of their visit to the nation’s capital.

The Family’s Initial Excitement

Audre’s father’s excitement is mirrored by the initial enthusiasm of the entire family. The anticipation of exploring Washington, D.C., and the historical landmarks creates a sense of adventure and curiosity among Audre and her siblings. However, this enthusiasm takes a different turn as the story unfolds.

His Role in Handling the Cancelled School Trip

Audre’s father’s initial optimism is soon met with a harsh reality as their school trip to the Capitol is canceled due to the impending racial tension following the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Audre writes, “I don’t remember much of what he said, but I remember the anger and fear in his voice when he told me why” (Lorde, 1982).

The Disappointment of the Cancelled School Trip

The cancellation of the school trip serves as a significant source of disappointment for Audre’s father, as well as for Audre and her siblings. This moment underscores the impact of racial tension on their family’s plans and foreshadows the challenges they will face during their journey.

Audre’s Father’s Emotional Response

Audre’s father’s emotional response to the cancellation is a key aspect of this part of the story. The anger and fear in his voice signal his deep concern for his children’s education and well-being. This emotional reaction becomes a pivotal moment in Audre’s narrative, marking the beginning of her disillusionment with her father’s perspective on race and society.

The Train Ride and Audre’s Disillusionment

Audre’s father’s decision to take his children on a train ride to Washington, D.C., despite the danger and racial tension, highlights his determination to provide them with an educational experience. This decision, fraught with significance, can be further dissected by examining various aspects of the train ride, including its impact on Audre and her family’s initial perceptions of the journey.

The Decision-Making Process: Understanding why Audre’s father chose to embark on the train ride despite the prevalent racial tension is crucial. What factors influenced his decision, and what was his motivation to expose his children to this challenging experience?

Audre’s Initial Expectations: Before boarding the train, Audre likely had certain expectations about the trip. What were her initial thoughts and feelings about the journey? How did they evolve as they approached Washington, D.C., and encountered segregation at the station?

The Emotional Toll: When Audre describes seeing her father’s face “purple, as if someone had strangled him,” it signifies a powerful emotional response. Delving deeper into the emotional impact on Audre and her siblings can provide insight into the lasting effects of the train ride on their perception of racism.

Audre’s Father’s Response: Audre’s father’s reaction to the segregation they encounter is a pivotal moment in the essay. Analyzing the specific emotions he displays, such as anger, frustration, and helplessness, can shed light on his inner turmoil and how he coped with the systemic racism of the era.

The Ice Cream Incident

One of the most significant moments in the essay is the ice cream incident, where Audre’s father confronts a racist shop owner. Expanding on this incident can provide a deeper understanding of Audre’s father’s determination to protect his family and his willingness to stand up against injustice.

The Context: To better comprehend the ice cream incident, it’s essential to consider the broader context of racial segregation in public places during that time. How did segregation affect daily interactions and choices, such as where to get ice cream?

Audre’s Father’s Motivation: Audre writes, “I saw my father at the counter and it was like looking into the face of God.” This powerful metaphor indicates the significance of this moment. What motivated Audre’s father to confront the racist shop owner, and what did this act mean for him personally and as a father?

Demonstrating Determination: Audre’s father’s refusal to back down in the face of discrimination illustrates his determination. Analyzing this determination in greater detail can provide insights into his character and values.

His Explanations Over Time

Throughout the essay, Audre reflects on her father’s explanations about race and how they evolved over time. This aspect can be expanded to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Audre’s father’s approach to educating his children about the complexities of racial injustice.

The Early Explanations: Initially, Audre’s father attempted to shield his children from the harsh realities of racism. What specific explanations did he provide when they were younger, and how did these explanations shape their perception of the world?

The Growing Awareness: As Audre and her siblings got older, they began to ask more questions about racial issues. How did Audre’s father adapt his explanations in response to their growing awareness? What were the challenges he faced in addressing these questions honestly and age-appropriately?

“White People Were Crazy”: Audre recalls her father’s explanation that “white people were crazy.” What does this phrase reveal about his coping mechanism and the way he attempted to explain the world to his children? How did this phrase evolve in meaning over time?

Conclusion

Audre Lorde’s essay, “The Fourth of July,” provides a powerful exploration of her personal experiences with racial discrimination and her father’s role in shaping her understanding of race and injustice. Audre’s father’s initial enthusiasm, handling of the cancelled school trip, train ride, and the ice cream incident, as well as his evolving explanations, all play a significant role in the narrative. His actions and reactions are pivotal in depicting the challenges faced by African Americans in a racially segregated society. Ultimately, Audre’s father emerges as a complex figure, torn between protecting his children and confronting the harsh realities of racism, leaving a lasting impact on Audre’s perception of the world. In examining Audre’s father’s role in “The Fourth of July,” we gain valuable insights into the broader themes of racial identity, social injustice, and the complexities of navigating a racially divided America.

References

Lorde, A. (1982). The Fourth of July. In “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches.” Crossing Press.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Audre Lorde, and what is ‘The Fourth of July’?

• Audre Lorde was a prominent African American writer and activist. “The Fourth of July” is one of her essays, where she reflects on a family trip to Washington, D.C.

2. What role did Audre Lorde’s father play in the essay?

• Audre Lorde’s father played a significant role in shaping her perspective on race and social injustice during the family trip.

3. How did Audre’s father handle the canceled school trip to the Capitol?

• Audre’s father initially tried to provide an educational experience but was met with disappointment when the school trip was canceled due to racial tension.

4. What happened during the train ride in the essay?

• The train ride exposed Audre and her family to the harsh realities of racism and segregation, impacting their father deeply.

5. Can you explain the ‘ice cream incident’ in the essay?

• The ice cream incident is a pivotal moment where Audre’s father confronts a racist shop owner, reflecting his determination to protect his family and fight against injustice.