This thesis contends that the literary works of James Baldwin are the most significant contribution to U.S. culture and literature as they illustrate the author’s sincere and justified disappointment with his country that refused to learn from its past horrible lessons. It is noteworthy that this great writer’s literary heritage which serves as a tool for his loving, reasonable, unapologetic, and fierce critique of American society is still relevant today (Greene, 2018). To support this statement, the thesis examines how he explored the subjects of race and expatriate life in the U.S. In his numerous plays, essays, and novels, Baldwin talked about the most vital social and racial issues and used the immense power of truthful words to touch the hearts and minds of many people (Glaude, 2020). By becoming one of the most crucial narrators of the Black experience in America, Baldwin tried to change this world for the better while not absolutely believing in his abilities. What is more, this paper aims to discuss the fact that “Baldwin wanted to free us from the shackles of a particular national story, so that we might create ourselves anew” (Glaude, 2020, para. 40). He believed in the necessity of his homeland to destroy the myths and tales that secured its innocence so that people can truly see themselves and the world around them. This is when the real changes begin, and the ground upon which U.S. greatness could be built is established (Greene, 2018). As a result of this research, the thesis aims to suggest a unique perspective on the literature about the Black experience and the specific ways that scholars may use when exploring the civil rights movement’s principal literary voice.
References
Glaude, E. S. (2020). The history that James Baldwin wanted America to see. The New Yorker. Web.
Greene, R. (2018). The continuing significance of James Baldwin. Society for U.S. Intellectual History. Web.