What is the relationship between the artist and the social activist, according to Baldwin’s essay?
What does Baldwin define as the "only real concern of the artist" (7)? How does this concern relate to Baldwin’s vision of social justice?
What is the hybrid perspective of the African-American artist? According to Baldwin, how can s/he find a place within history and literary traditions? Refer to pages 6-7.
Why does Baldwin state that he has written at such length "about being a Negro" (8)? How does his autobiographical/literary problematic relate to what Baldwin refers to as the "Negro problem in America" (8)? What does Baldwin mean by the "general social fabric" (8)?
Questions for "Notes of a Native Son":
How does Baldwin connect his father’s death to the race riots in Harlem (85-88, 110-11)? his father’s mental illness to the disease of racism (89-90, 106, 112)?
What parallels exist between Baldwin’s bitterness and his father’s bitterness (88, 93-97)? Baldwin’s hatred for his father and for white people (98, 101, 105-6)?
How does Baldwin trace the geopolitical shifts of race in America to the first and second World Wars (86, 100-01)? How does each war affect the African American communities in the United States?
What are the two ideas (which "seem to be in opposition") that Baldwin proposes as a paradigm for social justice and race activism (113)? According to Baldwin, is the model a viable one? Do you agree or disagree?