Essay Pt. I

Gabe

Mr. Salsich

English B

20^th October 2008

 

                                                Appreciation;

                        A Relation on an Essay by Zora Neale Hurston to my Life

 

 

            In the essay, “How it Feels to be Colored Me” by Zora Neale Hurston, appreciation is a recurring feeling, much like it is in my life. She appreciates anything from music to her heritage and I am similar. It is important in both of our lives because if it weren’t present, sadness would get the best of us. Overall, appreciation is present in Ms. Hurston’s essay and my life.

            Zora Neale Hurston appreciates many things in her life. The first thing she appreciates is music. When she was at the club listening to jazz, the music uncovered feelings the she had buried and forgotten. She appreciated it because it allowed her to feel like her true self and forget about the racism and discrimination. In addition to music, Ms. Hurston appreciates her heritage. She does not let the fact that she is an African American in a racist society bother her. When writing, “But I am not tragically colored. […] Some one is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me.” she says she doesn’t care if people don’t like her heritage, she is still proud to be an African American. Finally, Ms. Hurston appreciates herself. She knows she is a friendly and caring person and is flabbergasted that some one wouldn’t want to spend time with her because she is African American. Even though she knows that many people dislike her, she still is happy with whom she is (Purposeful Repetition). Overall, appreciation is something that is apparent in Zora Neale Hurston’s life.

            Appreciation is present in my life as well. The first thing I appreciate is music. Music is my personal anchor in life because It does anything from getting me motivated to getting me through a demanding day with its rhythmic riffs and poetic lyrics (purposeful repetition: 3 adjectives). I am grateful for this because music is like my sanctuary; whenever I need to escape it is there. Aside from music, I appreciate sports. Sports has given me an understanding of teamwork that will help me in life. For example this upcoming collaboration project is much like our soccer team; everyone must work together to achieve a common goal. I am thankful for this life lesson because now I have a better view on how to work with others. Finally, I appreciate my family. My family is the safety net I need when things get rough. I appreciate this because there have been instances where without my family, I would have spiraled into a depression. To summarize, appreciation follows all the joys in my life.

            Appreciation is embedded in Zora Neale Hurston’s life and mine. We both appreciate many things, from music to family. We also know that the things we appreciate are important to our lives. Overall, appreciation exists in everything that is vital to Zora Neale Hurston and me.