Your observations on the excerpt from Charles W. Chesnutt's essay are insightful. Here’s a brief analysis of each point you made:
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Constitution and Freedom: You correctly note that the author refers to the Constitution to highlight the long-awaited freedom for African Americans. This reference underscores the importance of constitutional rights in the struggle for civil liberties and reflects the broader historical context of African American efforts to achieve equality.
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Repetition of "Institutions": Your point about the repeated use of the word "institutions" effectively captures Chesnutt's emphasis on the significance of higher education for African Americans. It reflects the barriers they faced in obtaining education within the South and underscores the value they placed on educational opportunities.
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Northern Universities: Your observation regarding the mention of Northern universities is astute. Chesnutt seems to use this contrast to illustrate both the limited opportunities available in the South and the successes that African Americans have found when they sought education outside of their local institutions. This suggests a longing for better educational opportunities and possibly suggests a critique of the educational inequities within the Southern states.
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Words like "Acquired" and "Attained": The use of words like "acquired" and "attained" highlights the achievements and progress of African Americans in terms of wealth and education. These words suggest agency and effort, framing African Americans as active participants in their own advancement rather than passive recipients of societal changes.
Overall, your responses capture the essence of Chesnutt's arguments about African American progress during his time, reinforcing themes of empowerment, the importance of education, and the significance of both personal and collective achievement.