The Wife of His Youth

In "The Wife of His Youth", by Chestnutt, readers are given an intimate view of the segregation and discrimination which is prevalent even among people of the same race.
It is undeniable that, in the Blue Veins, blacks with the lightest skin are more respected and hold positions of higher power. The more separated from their African ancestry the individuals become, the more social mobility they are given.
In this story, it is made quite clear that blacks can choose one of two choices. They can either integrate into white society, or they can become 'lost' in black society. According to this story, it is not an option for these individuals to combine these two options; in their eyes, the situation is literally black and white.
Even at the end of the story, when the main character accepts his past and his dark-skinned wife, readers are made to understand that, if he chooses to accept this past, he is giving up an opportunity to improve his social standing.
Not only are blacks and whites competing for social standing, but light and dark skinned blacks are also competing between themselves for a high position in the social hierarchy. Consequently, dark skinned blacks are not only at a disadvantage in society as a whole, but also within their race. Perhaps Chestnutt is attempting to capitalize on this point in this story, and to emphasize the fact that such social divisions are pointless and a waste of time and energy. If in this story African Americans were not divided amongst themselves, then they would be more apt to make progressive social change and advancement. If being something that they obviously are not were not a goal in their lives, then they would be more successful in developing with what resources they are given.