New Generations
“He wasn't judging anyone and accepted the fact that history had come too late for him to make much use of all the things that were now opening up. But he couldn't understand why some of the young people couldn't see it. Maybe you had to live through the worst of times to recognize the best of times when they came to you. Maybe that was just the way it was with people.”
This imagery is highlighting the stark contrast between different generations of African Americans. On the one hand, Starling is glad that the new generation did not have to live life the way he had lived it, under an openly racist regime. But at the same time, it is difficult to see other African Americans not being appreciative of why they have the rights they have – because of the actions of activists like Starling.
Migration
“They did what human beings looking for freedom, throughout history, have often done. They left.”
This imagery of migration is highlighting the threats and the life of despair that African American’s endured during the 20th century. Escaping their living conditions was the only way they could seek happiness and safety.
