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1. How does DuBois characterize the problem he is addressing, in the Forethought?

DuBois says that the problem of the color line is the most pressing problem in America at the time, and that he himself is one of the people who are shrouded by ‘the Veil,’ by which he means dark skin, a history of slavery, and the concomitant racism from whites.

2. When did DuBois discover that he lived ‘within the Veil’?

DuBois grew up in Massachusetts, so he was not born into slavery, and he did not know that he was different until one day in school, the children devised a plan for exchanging visiting cards, but one girl would not exchange cards with him because of his race.

3. What is double-consciousness?

Double-consciousness is the requirement that blacks see themselves through their own eyes and also through the eyes of a racist culture that holds fast to certain derogatory beliefs, in addition to certain numerous racist policies. DuBois also says that double consciousness entails trying to see himself as Negro on one hand and American on the other.

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