“Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin Essay

The point of Baldwins demonstrates is not so more than to make his readers aware of racial prejudice in the States as it is to commence to disembodied spirit at that prejudice, analyze it, understand where it comes from, and decide how to deal with it. In this essay, James Baldwin explores the complexities of both race relationships and familial relationships. Concerning his relationship with his father, Baldwin admits toward the beginning of the essay We had got on badly, partly because we shared, in our different fashions, the vice of stubborn pride. This gateway sets the tone for the rest of the essay, an idea of both opposition and similarity in this relationship. Also, Baldwin begins the title essay in Notes of a Native Son with a statement of death and birth. He mentions that my father died. On the same day, a few hours later, his last child was born.(p,52) This theme of death and birth as well as works itself out on a larger scale, eventually comprehend the entire essay .At the end of the essay Baldwin begins with his fathers funeral. thusly he goes into reminiscing the times when his father was alive, realizing that they hadnt talked much. Then back to the funeral, The shut in now was opened and the mourners were being led up the aisle to look for the last time on the deceased. (p.65) Baldwin takes a last look at his fathers face.Baldwin is able to see his father in a different light, one that includes both his negative and positive characteristics. In doing so, Baldwin is withal able to see himself more clearly. By examining his relationship with his father, Baldwin experiences several revelations, which culminate in a type of symbolic death and spiritual conversion by the end of the essay.