The Quest for Identity in James Baldwin ‘s Go Tell it On the Mountain

Abstract

Throughout many year, African -Americans have been struggling to define and construct their identity which was undermined by the white man. Not only does history confirm this struggle but also does literature. In this literature, African- American authors sought to reconstruct their identity as well as to reassure their culture which has become totally subjected to racism and prejudice. Afro -American authors in particular sought to restore the Afro-American experience which had been described as nothing but painful and tragic due the harsh institution of slavery imposed on them by white Americans. In this scope, James Baldwin emerged as one of the outstanding authors who made a significant contribution to American classics. His novel Go Tell it on the Mountain subtly probes into the black male experience and the black man´s quest for his identity. The novel´s two overarching themes are in fact the quest for identity and the search for love. In this novel, Baldwin creates the fictional character of John Grimes, a troubled young adult who becomes confused about adolescent male identity. His conflict with members of his family and how he feels about his step- father and the hypocrisy of the Christian church are major themes in this study. The novel further examines the influence of racism upon the characters in the story and how racism tears the structure of the Grimes family