Paul Laurence Dunbar The Colored Soliders

The poem “The Colored Soliders” by Paul Laurence Dunbar describes the period of the American Civil War of (1861-1865) which was a war where only the ‘whites’ were considered competent and worthy enough to fight. “These battles are the white man’s, and the whites will fight them out” (Dunbar, 11, 12). In the poem, Dunbar states that the blacks were only deemed worthy to fight when the ‘white’s’ discovered they could not win the war. ‘The Colored Soldiers’, written by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a reflection of society at a time when inequality, violence and cruelty was considered righteous. This cruelty was aimed at African Americans at a time when owning a slave was a measure of elite status in Southern United States. Written in 1913, Dunbar
Following the end of the Civil War, May 9th, 1865 and the claim of 40,000 brave African American soldiers’ lives, slavery was abolished. Dunbar’s poem proudly articulates this; “And their deeds shall find a record in the registry of fame; for their blood has cleansed completely every blot of Slavery’s shame.” (Dunbar, 73,74,75,76) and finally in the poem; “So all honor and all glory to those noble sons of Ham-the gallant colored soldiers who fought for Uncle Sam!” (Dunbar, 76). Dunbar is stating that the blacks' are recognized as heroes for their dedication and service in the War. They are proud to have been such a significant part of the victory. Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem is a clear display of pride; “Let the fullness of Thy pity o’er the hot wrought spirits sway of the gallant colored soldiers who fell fighting on that day!” (Dunbar, 45, 46, 47, 48). Moreover, he repeats the line ‘of the gallant colored soldiers’ a few times in the poem. Dunbar is a famous poet known for activism of equality and equal rights for African American’s (poets.org). His captivating poem; ‘The Colored Soldiers’ is a strong example of his representation of African American