James Baldwin's In Go Tell It On A Mountain

1.) Based on what I’ve learned about James Baldwin, I’d say he’s an optimist. James Baldwin has such a positive outlook on life and makes decisions knowing the risk factors, and anticipates a positive outcome. Based on his experiences, he is largely aware of the battle with identity, the adversity of being black in America, yet he unquestionably writes to expose these things to establish a path for individuals knowing the controversy behind it all. Baldwin’s writings’ were brutally truthful as it entailed things that were recurring within the black community and he continued doing so because he was hopeful it would establish some kind of medium. James Baldwin went above and beyond, as a black, homosexual writer he went “outside” the box and
From the beginning of the novel to the very last page, religion seems to be an anchor that keeps everyone grounded. Whenever everyone hits a rough patch or are faced with obstacles that seems out of reach, religion becomes the biggest guidance and support they have. Everyone within the novel is religiously attending church and I strongly believe it’s the only place of outlet for them, whether it’s for difficult times or happy moments. Expression through worship establishes a sense of morality as everyone maintains religion as a guideline for life. It’s amazing how everyone seems to sin like no other but still, on a Sunday morning they’re in their finest dresses and suits, singing, dancing, and praising the lord. I feel the reason everyone is so devoted is because they are aware of their wrong doings but instead of asking for forgiveness, they’re turning to religion to reinforce values and morals to prevent them from committing the same sins in the future. Although it seems to be by choice to commit the sins which occurs regardless, religion seems to be used as a concealment of the sins that one has committed. The hopes or thoughts of attending church might give a gratifying feeling as one hopes that they will be forgiven for their sins even if the extent of the sin is far beyond being forgiven. With that being said, I also thing religion is prevalent within the novel because everyone attending church brings everyone