The Life and Works of James Baldwin - Essay Example

?The Life and Works of James Baldwin James Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York on the 24th day of August 1924. Emma Jones, James’ mother, raised herchildren alone through her meager income as a domestic worker. Emma married David Baldwin by the time James was 3 years old. David Baldwin was a devout Catholic and a preacher. James, who was exposed to the religiosity of his stepfather, learned the significance of faith and religion in his life. Although David was not a caring stepfather, his religiosity influenced James and his brothers in a way that David had instilled Catholic morals on the family. For one, James became a youth minister in a Pentecostal Church in Harlem even at the age of 14. With his conformity to religious standards and intellectual pursuits, James gained recognition and lasting impression from his teachers, as well as his neighbors. To the people in their locality, James was considered as intelligent and righteous. He carried these values along with him as he struggled for the Negro race through participating in political and social activities as a writer. The deep religious foundations of Baldwin’s morality were later shown in his writings, as well as his preference for non-violent activism over bloody riots. As a child, James loved to read, and, during his school years, he showed an inclination toward writing. Although James showed his exemplary writing ability even in high school, he was not able to pursue his college education and other plans due to financial constraints. As the eldest child, James had to put his dreams aside and support his mother in sending his seven younger brothers to school. Thus, in his own discretion, James struggled to find a job after he graduated in high school in 1942. While putting his dreams aside means compromising his passion and talent, James considered his family as the most important part of his life. Finding a sustainable job was difficult for James. The fact that the year during which he lived was dominated by prejudice and racial discrimination, James was frequently warded off by employers mainly because of his color. This situation made him take whatever job opportunities that came along his way. For instance, he took the job in the railroad in New Jersey from which he was again dismissed for no apparent reason. Another significant event in James’ life was the death of his stepfather on the 29th of July 1943. On this day, also, her mother gave birth to his eighth sibling. This means that their family had grown larger, which, in turn, means that he needed to earn more for his family. In 1945, James’ life took an unexpected turn. Although, he worked during the day, he still found time to write a novel during his spare hours. His passion to read and write offered opportunities that influenced the rest of his life. For instance, he had the chance to meet Richard Wright, a writer, who helped James found a fellowship that could publish his works and support his writing expenses. In those times also, James was able to publish his stories and essays with Commentary, The Nation, and Partisan Review, three of the most popular national publications during that time. As James was able to gain an audience for his literary works, his popularity also grew, and he was able to visit different American cities with his writing colleagues. By the year 1948, James moved to Paris as he was able to find another fellowship there. James’ stay in Paris enabled him to observe America in a distance; he was able to analyze the American social and political situation critically especially in relation to the African Americans, his race. Considering the wide view by which James observed the socio-political status of America, he was able to evaluate the American system of government objectively. Additionally, he was able to see clearly where he began, which developed in him the sense of determined destination. Thus, James’ stay in France enabled him to see both his beginning and his purposive end. While in France, James was able to put enough distance between him and America, which enabled him to write about it objectively. From then on, he spent his time travelling both in France and the United States. He gained international recognition and support through his writing friends, who also helped him in his advocacies in America. Baldwin is considered one of the pillars of African American literature because his literary works express, in the profoundest manner, the plight of African Americans in the American society. His simple but intellectual writings gained recognition worldwide even among whites. While it can be said that Baldwin’s achievements in his writing career enabled him to establish his own name in the field of literature, his achievement did not happen overnight. For instance, Baldwin had to endure the limiting force of prejudice and inequality against the black race. Baldwin was able to write about the most difficult, torturous, and crucial aspects of Negro life because he experienced those troubles early in life. For one, the family with which Baldwin was born was not a portrait of an ideal family. He never got the chance to meet his father, and his mother preferred to keep the name of his biological father a secret. James Baldwin was born during the peak of Harlem Renaissance during the years 1920s to 1930s. At an early age, James began reading the works of Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin), Dickens, and Dostoevsky, and his works were influenced by those authors. James Baldwin lived during the years of the Civil Rights Movement, which was marked with issues concerning racial segregation and discrimination, sexual identity, and equality of rights and opportunities. Additionally, he also witnessed the rise of Malcolm X in 1952, an African Muslim who led the Black Nationalism movement. The significant events in 1955, such as the death of Emmett Till and the Montgomery bus boycott, became part of James’ future literary works. Additionally, James was able to meet Martin Luther King Jr., who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Additionally, James Baldwin had also received significant attention from W. E. B. Du Bios (1868-1963) because of the former’s literary achievement. Considering the turbulent times during which James was born, it can be said that his life, as well as his works, was shaped by those events. The characters and events in his fiction (novels and plays) were influenced by the political and social upheaval that happened during his time. Collectively, his works were seen as responses to the turbulent society of America during the years of 1920s to 1980s. James Baldwin’s works consist of plays, novels, essays, and collection of original public speeches. These works contribute to American society as well as to the literary world because these works express themes that are socially and politically relevant. His works are considered part of American classics, which are at par with the works of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Collectively, his works center on African American experiences as they struggle to adapt to the culture of Americans. Go Tell It On The Mountain, James Baldwin’s first literary work was published in 1953. This work is an autobiographical novel that focuses on the childhood experiences of Baldwin in Harlem. In this work, Baldwin narrates his life, as well as the life of the displaced and wanderers, which he commonly associated with the African American race. Although this novel did not receive much critical attention immediately, James considered this work as his release of the tensions he had with his father and religion. Additionally, James wrote this novel objectively, which allows readers, both American immigrants and Europeans, to understand Harlem culture. With his honest recount of Harlem culture, Baldwin gained acclaim in Europe and was able to establish himself as a prolific writer. With this autobiographical novel, James was able to release his nightmarish childhood experiences in Harlem in relation to his sexuality and religion. In 1956, James published another novel entitled Giovanni’s Room. In this novel, James delves on the themes of interracial and homosexual relationship. Homosexuality, as the primary theme in this novel, is tackled in the character of a white American expatriate, who distances himself from his native land thinking that it is the cure of his ambivalence. James also felt the same way when he went to France, and it was during that time when he realized that expatriation (self-imposed exile) is not the cure of the alienation that he received in his native land. In 1962, James published Another Country, a novel which tackles racial and homosexual tensions in New York. This work was again seen as controversial as James exposed the tensions among the intellectuals in New York in relation to their racial and homosexual tensions. Knowing that issues on sexuality and race were the most crucial issues in America during that time, Baldwin proposed that idea of sexual utopia wherein people are accepted regardless of their identity. As he regarded sexual freedom as part of the inalienable rights of human beings, Baldwin suggested that problems concerning sexual and racial differences can only be resolved through social and racial acceptance and understanding. In 1968, James published his fourth novel with the title, Tell Me How Long The Train’s Been Gone. In this novel, James depicts the life of African Americans in Harlem ghetto. Additionally, this novel traces the childhood life of Leo Proudhammer, who dreams of becoming an actor. The story also projects the significance of the family especially during the formative years of a child. Additionally, the play also tackles homosexuality and interracial marriages as Leo, a bisexual, had a relationship with a white woman (Barbara) as well as with a man (Christopher). Aside from novels, James also published several essay collections that discuss socially significant themes such as homosexuality and racial differences. James’ collection of essays also received acclaim among white audiences. For such reasons as being controversial, thought-provoking, and profound, James received both recognition and criticism from his audiences. James published his first collection of essays entitled, Notes of a Native Son in 1955. The essays contained in this collection were published previously by various magazines. This collection also includes “Everybody’s Protest Novel,” James analysis regarding the portrayal of the Negro character in Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. As the title suggests, the collection also contains details of his life as a son of his unknown biological father, deceased stepfather, and patriarchal motherland. Aside from these roles, James, as a religious person, also considered his moral responsibility as a son of God. He also showed his social concern as a citizen of the United States. Considering his social and moral mind set, it can be said that this collection centers on both his social and moral responsibility. Following the publication of his Notes of a Native Son, James published his second essay collection entitled Nobody Knows My Name in 1961. This collection is composed of thirteen essays written in a span of six years (1954-1961), and it received recognition from The New York Times Book Review in 1961. The primary concern of this collection is the identity of James both in the United States and Europe. Essentially, the contents of this collection are insights on race, color, alienation, and identity. In the essay, “The Discovery of What It Means to be an American,” James discusses his need for a place to belong. As America cannot provide such need because of racial differences, James decided to settle in Europe to get connected with people of other races who can see and accept his differences, not his separation. James’ advocacy concerning the African American’s civil rights drove him to publish his third essay collection. James third essay collection, Fire Next Time, published in 1963, consist of public speeches and commentaries on the political system of the United States during that time. He wrote the essays in this collection based on magazine articles and political policies concerning the Black Civil Rights Movement. In addition, James expressed his support to Martin Luther King’s idea of non-violent civil disapproval to resolve social and political issues especially those that relate to African Americans. With the successful publication of this collection, James was able to attain the peak of his writing career as several organizations invited him to conduct lectures throughout the US. The essays in this collection contain James’ evaluation of the social and political system and status of the United States, and, accordingly, he provides ways to resolve such issues. Aside from being known as a prolific novelist and essayist, James is also known for his excellence in the theater. He wrote original scripts and produced his own drama production. The most popular of his plays are The Amen Corner (1955) and Blues for Mister Charlie (1964). These plays, like his other literary works, depict African American experience as he/she confronts social issues such as prejudice, racial segregation and discrimination, sexuality, and equality of rights. For instance, Blues for Mister Charlie is based on the life of Emmett Louis Till, a young Negro, whose murder was racially motivated. This play depicts the prejudice and injustice of the Americans against African Americans. In addition, the play also serves as a criticism against the justice of the US as the all-white jury acquits the murderers of Emmett. In The Amen Corner, James depicts the African American church in relation to morality. With this play, James criticizes the African American church as an institution including the theological and moral discrepancies of its teachings. Accordingly, as James saw the church as insufficient in giving viable solution to the social problems during that time, he was driven to seek salvation in other places. As the works of James Baldwin contain social, moral, and political concerns, it can be said that the major themes in his works are related to the society and individual identity. For instance, he talked about homosexuality, interracial relationships, racism, and inequality of rights. Although these subjects were considered controversial during that time, James took the chance of writing about those subjects as he deemed it necessary to improve the society as well as the individual lives of his fellow African Americans. Considering the influences of James Baldwin’s works, it can be said that his literary works are not only representative of himself, but those reflect collectively the life and experiences of the African American race in the United States. Thus, James works can be considered both an American and African American classic as his works become part of the history of both races. James Baldwin advocated social and political changes. His works had been made with the purpose of persuading both Americans and Black Americans that racial segregation can divide the nation more than anything else. Thus, he joined the crusade against racial discrimination without participating in violent street protests. As he considered that mutual understanding and acceptance are the keys for national development, James was bent on writing socially and politically relevant literary works to allow readers to understand both the American and African American culture without encouraging enmity among them. Conclusively, like any revolutionaries that drive social change, James Baldwin exemplified the life of an intellectual who took moral and social responsibility toward his race and countrymen. Works Cited Aanerud, Rebecca. “Now More Than Ever: James Baldwin and the Critique of White Liberalism.” James Baldwin Now. Ed. Dwight A. McBride. New York: New York University Press, 1999. 56-74. Print. Baldwin, James. Go Tell It On The Mountain. New York: Dell Publishing, 1981. Print. ---. The Cross of Redemption: Uncollected Writings. Ed. Randall Kenan. New York: Vintage Books, 2011. Print. Balfour, Lawrie. The Evidence of Things Not Said: James Baldwin and the Promise of American Democracy. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2011. Print. Boyd, Herb. Baldwin’s Harlem: A Biography of James Baldwin. New York: Atria, 2008. Print. Csapo, Csaba. “Race, Religion, and Sexuality in Go Tell It On The Mountain.” James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain: Historical and Critical Essays.” Ed. Carol E. Henderson. New York: Peter Lang Publishing, 2006. 57-73. Print. Davis, Nicholas K. “Go Tell It On The Stage: Blues For Mister Charlie as Dialectical Drama.” The Journal of American Drama and Theatre 17.2 (2005): 30+. Print. Harris, Trudier. Black Women in the Fiction of James Baldwin. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1985. Print. “James (Arthur) Baldwin (1924-1987).” Pegasos. Pegasos, n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . “James Baldwin.” American Masters. Educational Broadcasting Corporation, 29 Nov. 2006. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . “James Baldwin.” UIC. University of Illinois at Chicago, n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . “James Baldwin Biography.” Bio.True Story. Biography, n.d. Web. 22. Feb. 2012. . Lynch, Michael F. “Baldwin, The African American Church, and The Amen Corner.” Reviewing James Baldwin: Things Not Seen. Ed. Daniel Quentin Miller. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2000. 33-71. Print. Miller, Elise. “The “Maw of Western Culture”: James Baldwin and the Anxieties of Influence.” African American Review 38.4 (2004): 625+. Print. Ohi, Kevin. “I’m Not The Boy You Want: Sexuality, Race, and Thwarted Revolution in Baldwin’s Another Country.” African American Review 33.2 (1999): 261+. Print. Porter, Horace. “The Significance of Notes of a Native Son.” James Baldwin. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2007. 53-68. Print. Reuben, Paul P. PAL: Perspectives in American Literature-A Research and Reference Guide. Department of English, California State University, 13 Nov. 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . Rosset, Lisa. James Baldwin: Author. New York: Chelsea House, 1990. Print. Sivan, Miriam. “Out Of And Back To Africa: James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Christianity and Literature 51.1 (2001): 29+. Print. Tomlinson, Robert. “Payin’ One’s Dues: Expatriation as Personal Experience and Paradigm in the Works of James Baldwin.” African American Review 33.1 (1999): 135. Print. Read More