Exploring the Text

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  1. What is James Baldwin’s primary purpose in “Notes of a Native Son”? Do you think there is a secondary purpose?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is James Baldwin’s primary purpose in “Notes of a Native Son”? Do you think there is a secondary purpose?
  2. What is Baldwin’s attitude toward his father? Does it change over the course of the essay? If so, how?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is Baldwin’s attitude toward his father? Does it change over the course of the essay? If so, how?
  3. Identify at least three stories Baldwin tells about himself. What does each demonstrate? How do they connect?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Identify at least three stories Baldwin tells about himself. What does each demonstrate? How do they connect?
  4. Baldwin alternates among concrete descriptions of people and places, reflections, and strong argumentative assertions. How does each type of writing help him achieve his purpose in this essay?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Baldwin alternates among concrete descriptions of people and places, reflections, and strong argumentative assertions. How does each type of writing help him achieve his purpose in this essay?
  5. Find several examples of parallel diction, parallel syntax, and parallel structure on a larger level (such as in paragraphs). What effect does Baldwin achieve by using these techniques?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Find several examples of parallel diction, parallel syntax, and parallel structure on a larger level (such as in paragraphs). What effect does Baldwin achieve by using these techniques?
  6. How does Baldwin make the parallel stories about his father’s life and death and about racism in the United States intersect? Find specific passages to support your answer.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does Baldwin make the parallel stories about his father’s life and death and about racism in the United States intersect? Find specific passages to support your answer.
  7. How do you interpret the title? You might do some research into the relationship between Baldwin and Richard Wright, who wrote the novel Native Son, published in 1940. Is Baldwin suggesting a dialogue with Wright? Is he “writing back” to an established author?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How do you interpret the title? You might do some research into the relationship between Baldwin and Richard Wright, who wrote the novel Native Son, published in 1940. Is Baldwin suggesting a dialogue with Wright? Is he “writing back” to an established author?