“Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin Essay

The heading of Baldwins essays is not so much to make his readers aware of racial prejudice in the States as it is to attempt to look at that prejudice, contemplate it, understand where it comes from, and decide how to deal with it. In this essay, James Baldwin explores the complexities of both rush relationships and familial relationships. Concerning his relationship with his return, 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 admission sets the tone for the rest of the essay, an base 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 baby was born.(p,52) This theme of death and birth also works itself out on a larger scale, eventually encompassing the entire essay.At the polish off of t he essay Baldwin begins with his fathers funeral. Then he goes into reminiscing the times when his father was alive, realizing that they hadnt talked much. Then back to the funeral, The casket now was opened and the mourners were creation 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 fitting to see his father in a different light, one that includes both his negative and positive characteristics. In doing so, Baldwin is also able to see himself much clearly. By examining his relationship with his father, Baldwin experiences several revelations, which culminate in a guinea pig of symbolic death and spiritual rebirth by the end of the essay.