Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Leads: Abi W., ~Liz B.,~ Matthew B.

Reading

• James Baldwin, “Notes of a Native Son” (Oates 220–38)

Notes

It might be worth your time, despite the essay’s autobiographical nature, to read a brief biography of Baldwin. Here are some discussion questions:

• Rights has become a commonplace term. What do you think are appropriate and inappropriate uses of the word?
• What do you think of Baldwin’s “intolerable bitterness of spirit”?
• What is the connection between his relationship with his father and the civil rights movements of the time (1940s and 1950s)?
• What is Baldwin’s attitude toward violence?
• What do you think of his father’s “legacy: nothing is ever escaped” (238)? Do you agree?