Impact of The Fire Next Time

554 Words2 Pages

Impact of The Fire Next Time

James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time is a powerful book. It fanned the flames of the civil rights movement and stands as a staple of African-American literature. It is a testament to black culture and the problems that climaxed during the middle of the 20th century.

One walks away from the book feeling three things. The first is a heightened sense of awareness about growing up in Harlem. The second is a new perspective from which to interpret the struggle for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s. The third is a respect for Baldwin as a writer and critical thinker.

Baldwin grew up in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s. He calls on several of his experiences growing up as a background to the contemporary ideas he addresses in The Fire Next Time. Baldwin writes:

The wages of sin were visible everywhere, in every wine-stained and urine-splashed hallway, in every clanging ambulance bell, in every scar on the faces of the pimps and their whores, in every helpless, newborn baby being brought into this danger, in every knife and pistol fight on the Aven...

Show More
Related

  • Baldwin's Insights of History in Notes of a Native Son

    1733 Words  | 4 Pages

    Baldwin, James. “Notes of a Native Son.” 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998. 63-84.

    Read More

  • Political Maneuvering and the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    2765 Words  | 6 Pages

    Skepticism about government is, in many respects, part of the DNA of Americans. This skepticism is not without reason – the actions of American politicians in the 1960s and 70s caused much of America to wonder about the motives of elected officials. However, such skepticism is rarely brought up when discussing the government’s participation in denouncing oppression against the African-American community. Most assume the government enforced equal opportunity for minorities out of compassion and humanity. However, much like the other major actions of the government during that era, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a groundbreaking law condemning segregation, was not devoid of personal motives. The Black community was not oblivious to this fact, and voiced its outrage through different mediums. Within the literary community, James Baldwin stands out as an author who especially attacked the government, claiming all the benefits his community was now receiving was not the result of compassion, but rather was the result of politics as usual.

    Read More

  • Style of The Fire Next Time

    521 Words  | 2 Pages

    James Baldwin is one of the premier essayists of his time. He draws on his experiences in a straightforward, unapologetic manner, which helps achieve his purpose in The Fire Next Time. His style elucidates his arguments for racial harmony and for the understanding of other religions.

    Read More

  • James Baldwin

    892 Words  | 2 Pages

    “In 1963, Attorney General Robert Kennedy invited Baldwin and other prominent blacks to discuss the nation's racial situation” (Magill 103). The meeting only reminded Baldwin on how far the nation still had to come (Magill 103). Baldwin continued to write. “During the last 10 years of his life, he produced a number of important works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry” (PBS 4). For awhile he taught and lectured, but soon it became more and more difficult for him to write (Magill 103). The years of drinking, smoking and traveling finally took their toll (Magill 103). “In 1987, James developed stomach cancer, and it took his life at the age of 63 on December 1, in his home in France” (PBS 4). Being a successful black man in the 1900s shows how smart and gifted James Baldwin

    Read More

  • Learning Racism in Going to Meet the Man by James Baldwin

    861 Words  | 2 Pages

    James Baldwin, an African American author born in Harlem, was raised by his violent step-father, David. His father was a lay preacher who hated whites and felt that all whites would be judged as they deserve by a vengeful God. Usually, the father's anger was directed toward his son through violence. Baldwin's history, in part, aids him in his insight of racism within the family. He understands that racists are not born, but rather racist attitudes and behaviors are learned in the early stages of childhood. Baldwin's Going to Meet the Man is a perfect example of his capability to analyze the growth of a innocent child to a racist.

    Read More

  • Baldwin's Fire Next Time

    589 Words  | 2 Pages

    In his argumentative  autobiography,   The Fire Next Time, the author brilliantly perceives the idea that love, instead of fear, liberates society.      To truly "liberate" society, one must discover his/her individual and personal identity by learning to love. Baldwin describes "fear" to be ignorance, and "love" as knowledge.

    Read More

  • Baldwin's Writing Style in Notes of a Native Son

    1676 Words  | 4 Pages

    Baldwin, James. ?Notes of a Native Son.? 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998. 63-84.

    Read More

  • The Warren Court Effects

    840 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...cement. Prior to this, police officers did not have to advise a suspect about his rights. The Miranda decision was greatly supported in American society. Most American suspects knew about their Miranda rights, including the right to an attorney if arrested, and the right to remain silent (Doc.7). Miranda v. Arizona was clearly a long-lasting Warren Court decision that will not likely lose its significance in the near future because of its 5th and 14th amendment guarantees that all Americans are entitled to.

    Read More

  • Notes of a Native Son

    1488 Words  | 3 Pages

    Baldwin, James. “Notes of a Native Son.” 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998. 63-84.

    Read More

  • Baldwin's view of Nation of Islam in Down on the Cross

    1439 Words  | 3 Pages

    Baldwin, James. ?Notes of a Native Son.? 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998. 63-84.

    Read More

  • James Baldwin's Life in Notes of a Native Son

    1384 Words  | 3 Pages

    Baldwin, James. “Notes of a Native Son.” 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1988. 63-84.

    Read More

  • Chicago Race Riot of 1919

    3035 Words  | 7 Pages

    ...on.” 1956. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998: 606-613.

    Read More

  • Baldwin's Notes of a Native Son

    2257 Words  | 5 Pages

    Baldwin, James. “Notes of a Native Son.” 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998. 63-84.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Animal Abuse

    1130 Words  | 3 Pages

    “There can be many reason for animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed, or under control of others. Some who are cruel to animals copy acts what they have seen or that have been done to them, others see harming an animal as a safe way to get revenge against--or threaten-- someone who cares about that animal”. (“Animal… Statistics”) Concerns towards abusing animals have gone up in the past. Although there are not many cases on animal abuse, many have occurred. Abusers are charged with Criminal Animal Abuse and then sentenced to life in prison. Some animals that are physically abused are sometimes rescued by Animal Control, and are taken it to an animal shelter. However, many shelters have not had the space to keep the animals so the workers would have to put them down (Carol Roach). Researchers have shown that the main animals getting abused are dogs, chickens, horses, and livestock (“Animal...

    Read More

  • The Benefits Of Organ Donation

    1818 Words  | 4 Pages

    Organ donations plays a major role in health care today. With thousands of people all across the United States in need of an organ transplant, organ donations have become a benefit. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of organ donors because of the myths and facts associated with organ donation. With many people being placed on a waitlist, there are very few people willing to be donors. In addition, factors such as complications during surgery, incompatibility between donor and recipient, and surgical procedures can inhibit the likelihood of one undergoing organ donations. Aside from the disadvantages, organ donations also has its advantages such as giving a life to a person

    Read More

More about Impact of The Fire Next Time

Open Document