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Name: University: Course: Professor: The Fire Next Time The book by James Baldwin is one that elaborates on the racial tensions that had been prevailing in America at the time. In his book he tries to show the people a new perspective and to show them the need for integration. The first part of the book is a letter to his nephew James. The second part is also a letter where he describes how over time his perspectives had been changing (Baldwin and Morrison). He touches on the prevalent issues at the time; race religion and violence. The first part My Dungeon Shook-Letter to my nephew Baldwin tries to explain to his nephew what type of a society he would have to grow up in and how it would impact his life. Baldwin is skeptical of this society ever evolving and changing from its old ways. In the end feels that the oppressed should not respond with anger and vengeance but with love and understanding. Baldwin’s rhetoric sounds angry but in a subtle way. He puts out different scenarios where the white majority has oppressed the African Americans and even prepares his nephew for the much racist society. He is pessimistic about the future and for this reason dedicates his letter to James warning him of the hardships he will face during his time. He is unsure of whether these two racial antagonists will one day integrate and become one. This book is so relevant to the issues of racism that still exist in our society. James Baldwin just like the current activists advocated for equality among races and that is a challenge the society has not completely dealt with. In all essence racism still exists. Works Cited Baldwin James and Toni Morrison. Collected Essays.The Library of America 1998. [...]
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By Friday 3/23/18 10:00 AM EST, write a 750-1000 word critical essay on The Fire Next Time. You are encouraged to offer your own insights, but you might consider some of these thematic questions: What are the principal arguments that Baldwin is making in this extended autobiographical essay? How does the first part of the book, “My Dungeon Shook,” set up and amplify the second part, “Down At The Cross”? From the perspective of the year 2018, are the author’s concerns in 1962, just as the Civil Rights movement was gathering steam, still relevant today? If so, how and to what extent? What is Baldwin’s view of religion, and how does he use his experiences as an adolescent preacher to advance that view? How did Baldwin’s intellectual awakening impact his faith? What elements in the African-American church of his youth most appealed to Baldwin? What connections does Baldwin draw between his budding teenage sexuality and his religious vocation? What is the purpose of Baldwin’s account of his meeting with Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam? What is Baldwin’s view of the white majority population in the America of his time? Does Baldwin’s rhetoric seem angry, and if so, to what purposes is that anger deployed? Is Baldwin hopeful or pessimistic about the future of race relations in the United States? How does this text relate to current issues of interest to you and your generation? For additional background, watch this 1969 talk on the black experience in America delivered by Baldwin in London: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryuAW_gnjYQ
Subject Area: Literature
Document Type: Reports
