This quote comes at the end of a paragraph in which Hurston separates herself from those she says come from the "sobbing school of Negrohood." She states that she has realized the rewards of the world go to the strong, so instead of complaining, she will sharpen her oyster knife.

An oyster knife is used to pry open an oyster in the hopes of getting to the pearl inside—or at least the oyster meat. Hurston is using the image of the oyster knife as a metaphor, saying that she is going to spend her time searching for what is valuable in life rather than worrying about what she doesn't have. It is better, she is arguing, to focus on what it is in your power to do than to worry about your limitations. A knife is a tool she can use to try to make her way in the world.

She goes on to note that somebody is always reminding her she is descended from slaves. She says she won't let this fact depress her or hold her back. Slavery is a relic of the the past; the future is what holds her attention. She wants to grab the potential in life and live life to the fullest.