NOVEMBER 1, 1959

Summary

The author arrives in New Orleans to begin his experiment in transforming himself into a Negro. He strolls through the white part of the city and wonders what the Negro part, where he will be staying in the days to come, is like. After having his supper, he contacts an old white friend who, fortunately, insists that he stay in his house and not in a hotel, while he transforms himself into a Negro.

Notes

This dayÂ’s entry in the diary is about the authorÂ’s visit to New Orleans. It is mainly a description of the white part of the town. The authorÂ’s literary skills are displayed in this description. The imagery is very sensuous-- the sights and sounds and smells are all very strange, enchanting and magical. Griffin has his dinner in style, in a superb courtyard, under the stars, amidst lanterns, trees, candlelit tables and a fountain, surrounded by elegant waiters, elegant people and elegant food. As he is having his dinner, he wonders whether he will be allowed to come to these places when he is a Negro. Griffin is determined to go ahead with his plan, even though he is aware of how difficult life will be for him in the Negro part of the town.

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