Professor
English 101
3 March 2013
Evaluation of Story Origins
The story The Color of Water takes place in several different regions from Suffolk, Virginia to the city of Harlem, New York. James McBride is the author and it is an autobiography of his life, and his mother, Ruth. The story reveals James’ life with eleven other siblings, the hardship of being interracial, the struggles of poverty, and his mother’s strong character. Ruth’s strong determination led her twelve kids to become successful doctors, nurses, lawyers, musicians, poets, and most importantly parents. However, it was not easy being a single white mother of twelve interracial kids. She had an unwavering faith in God and strong moral convictions. To Ruth, issues of race and identity took secondary importance to moral beliefs. The story The Color of Water brings an interesting perspective and determination to the audience. The overall value of the story is important and relevant to know, that it does not matter where you come from nor the color of your skin, but what you do in this life that matters. James McBride had the inspiration to write this story as a tribute to his mother. He realized that his siblings nor him knew anything about his Ruth’s painful past. Therefore, she refused to discuss her painful reality at first, and then she caved. He began traveling and searching on a first-hand experience interviewing people from his mother’s past. The reason, why his mother did not agree with James’ idea is because she was not ready to confront her painful reality. However, James’ vision led to an amazing inspiring story about the life of his mother, and her twelve successful children.
Work Cited:
"James McBride - Www.jamesmcbride.com." James McBride - Www.jamesmcbride.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar.
Cited: "James McBride - Www.jamesmcbride.com." James McBride - Www.jamesmcbride.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013.