Also, both novels share the graphic and sometimes gruesome details and emotions of black peoples’ lives in the New York area.īaldwin’s unique style is evident in both novels, including his vivid descriptions of black and white, and also of sexual relations. There are other similarities including the urban location of New York City, and also Baldwin’s use of flashbacks in both novels, however the most evident is the suffering of black people. This emergence from the south can be compared to Another Country as the characters in both works seek a new place after much suffering and oppression. Much of the novel deals with the emergence of the Grimes family from the south, and the struggle of Gabriel Grimes with morality and lust. The audience soon learns of the rest of his family including his father Gabriel who is also a priest. The novel begins by describing the protagonist John Grimes and his daily routine. Baldwin’s attitude and emotions are expressed in this novel through the characters. The other major characters also suffer as they struggle to find themselves and satisfy their craving for love and true happiness.īaldwin’s Go Tell it on the Mountain was his first novel, and some would argue that it was his best. The most obvious victim of the novel is Rufus Scott, a black jazz musician who commits suicide at the end of the long first chapter. The narrative concludes with Eric meeting up with Yves in America.ĭuring the novel, the characters’ lives are all combined with each other’s struggles and sexual experiences, some heterosexual, some homo- or bisexual. Eric is an American actor that moved to Paris for a couple of years and met Yves. The fourth narrative involves two white homosexuals, Eric Jones and Yves. The couple exemplify a traditional relationship white, married with children, however, they are not happy together. Ida is a proud black woman who made it her goal to avenge her brothers’ death.Ĭass and Richard Silenski make up the third narrative. He somehow feels responsible for the death of Rufus, and is constantly haunted by his memories. Vivaldo is a white male who is somewhat confused about his sexuality, as most characters in the novel are as well. Ida was Rufus’ brother, and Vivaldo, his best and only true friend.
The second narrative covers Ida Scott and Vivaldo Moore. The first section concludes with Leona losing her sanity and the suicide of Rufus Scott. Leona is his southern mistress who seems to compliment his harsh sexuality with her fragile temperament. Rufus is a black jazz musician trapped in a white racist society. Rufus Scott and Leona make up the first pair of characters.
All of the pairs focus on the categories that were mentioned before. Each narrative focuses on two characters, and the eight main characters interact throughout the novel. The novel is divided into three sections and covers four narratives. These categories, including black/white, hetero/homosexual, and male/female are constantly brought up throughout the novel. The majority of the novel is filled with either talk or fornication, and at least halfway through the novel the talk takes over and begins to control it.īaldwin’s Another Country is divided into categories.
At any rate, it is an extremely controversial novel filled with controversial characters. Some see both novels as great additions to American literature, while others criticize Baldwin’s unique writing style used in both works.Īnother Country has been called a true American classic, and also a literary failure. Another Country and Go Tell it on the Mountain are two of James Baldwin’s most analyzed novels.
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