Literal Analysis

Passing for Love The phrase “people are just people,” can be interpreted in two very different ways, and this was especially true during the 1920s and 1930s. In Willard Motley’s “The Almost White Boy,” both interpretations come in to play. Jimmy’s father tells him that “people are just people” to reinforce the idea that all people are equal, regardless of their skin color. However, after being spurned by Cora, Jimmy comes to realize that people are just people, and they will resist change or being different, even if it fractures relationships or causes great pain to someone else. Despite falling into the latter category, Cora is not a villain, but is actually a victim of societal pressure, familial pressure, and her own expectations. First and foremost, Cora is a victim of societal pressure. The story occurs during a time when interracial marriage was greatly looked down upon, and making the decision to fall in love with someone from a different race would have been difficult for whites and African Americans (Motley 134). In addition, marrying Jimmy would have meant falling to a lower rank in society, which may seem vain, but would have been very important to a woman during this time period, whose sustenance would have largely depended on the status of her husband. Biracial children were also heavily discriminated against during this time period and, as Jimmy could attest, had trouble fitting in with either whites or African Americans, which would have been a difficult experience for any mother (Motley 137). Furthermore, Cora is a victim of familial pressures. Unlike Jimmy, Cora has been raised by parents who are prejudiced and believe that African Americans are inferior. Even though Cora does not feel this way, she begs Jimmy not to reveal himself to her parents, as she knows they will disapprove and, in the case of her father, likely become very angry (Motley 141). The situation with Cora’s family becomes even worse when Jimmy comes over for