Go Tell It On The Mountain By James Baldwin Pdf
Go Tell It On The Mountain is a semi-autobiographical novel by James Baldwin, published in 1953. The novel depicts the life of John Grimes, a teenage boy living in Harlem in the 1930s. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of religion, race, and identity.
The Plot of Go Tell It On The Mountain
The novel is divided into three parts. The first part introduces the Grimes family and establishes the tense relationships between members of the family. John, the protagonist, is a sensitive and introspective teenager who feels trapped in his family and his community. He yearns to escape and find a life of his own.
The second part of the novel is a flashback to the childhood of John's mother, Florence. The flashback reveals the trauma and abuse she suffered as a child, which has led to her bitterness and anger. The third part of the novel returns to John's story and depicts his emotional and spiritual journey as he confronts his past and struggles to find his place in the world.
The Themes of Go Tell It On The Mountain
Religion is a central theme of the novel. The Grimes family is deeply religious, and the novel explores how religion can both comfort and oppress people. The novel also explores the role of race and racism in shaping the lives of African Americans in the 1930s. The characters in the novel grapple with questions of identity and self-discovery.
Another theme of the novel is the generational divide within families. John's parents and grandparents have different expectations for his future, and John feels caught between these conflicting visions. The novel raises questions about the responsibility of parents to their children and the importance of communication and empathy within families.
The Style of Go Tell It On The Mountain
Baldwin's prose is lyrical and poetic, with vivid descriptions of the physical surroundings of Harlem and the emotional landscapes of the characters. The novel also incorporates elements of the gospel music tradition, with characters breaking into song at various points in the narrative.
The novel's structure is complex, with flashbacks and shifting perspectives. The novel's structure can be challenging for some readers, but it rewards careful attention and close reading.
The Legacy of Go Tell It On The Mountain
Go Tell It On The Mountain is considered a classic of African American literature and a landmark of American literature more broadly. The novel's themes of race, religion, and identity continue to resonate with readers today.
The novel has also inspired adaptations in other media. In 1984, a film adaptation was released, directed by Stan Lathan and starring Paul Winfield and Olivia Cole. In 2013, a stage adaptation of the novel was produced by the Classical Theatre of Harlem.
Conclusion
Go Tell It On The Mountain is a powerful and complex novel that explores the lives of African Americans in the 1930s. The novel's themes of religion, race, and identity continue to be relevant today, and its legacy as a classic of American literature is secure. If you haven't read it yet, it's definitely worth checking out!
