Mr.Z

Mr.Z by M. Carl Holman

Mr.Z is poem about a black man who is unsatisfied and ashamed with his black heritage. The man does everything in his power to escape from the connotations that arise from being black. He was very educated and proper, he ate nice food and was respectful to women, but he never became more than, "one of the most distinguished members of his race,"(Holman). Although one would find this title to be satisfactory, it meant nothing to Mr.Z because what he really wanted was to be white. To be distinguished within his race was unfulfilling, for he wanted  nothing to do with his race. The structure of the poem also voices Mr.Z's act at being a proper white man. The poem contains lengthy paragraphs and proper punctuation which emphasizes the man's education, somethings that was associated with white people. Although his writing and punctuation are acceptable, the man will still subside with black society. This poems stirs frustration because it is so clear that this man has faith that he can escape being black, but it is clear it will be impossible for him  to excel beyond what he has already achieved. The man is striving for an unreachable goal, which is rather depressing, but also a fact during that time.