“The Negro writer is prolific in detail. Situation follows situation in rapid success, demanding close attention to keep clear of the meshes of involvement.”

Observing the richness and density of African American literary expression. · Essay, The Negro as a Writer

• Expression
• Style
• Writing

“Whatever power any writing can have can only be in proportion to its real merit in the thought-world, regardless of all source from which it came.”

Arguing that literary merit should be judged by the quality of the thought rather than the writer’s race. · Essay, The Negro as a Writer

• Literature
• Merit
• Writing

“To speak the truth... it must be said that there is no such thing as a Negro dialect, but... bad English called Negro dialect.”

A controversial statement revealing his preference for standard English and established literary forms. · Essay, The Negro as a Writer

• Language
• Standards
• Writing