The word "wilderness" in this context creates a wild scene that contrasts humanity. By describing the area as a "wilderness of smashed plate glass," Baldwin emphasizes the chaos and destruction resulting from the race riot, highlighting the stark contrast between the violent aftermath of human conflict and the solemnity of mourning his father's death. This imagery evokes a sense of loss and desolation, suggesting that the social unrest has created an environment that feels uncivilized and untamed, reflecting the turmoil in both the city and in Baldwin's own emotions during such a tragic moment.
A few hours after my father’s funeral, while he lay in state in the undertaker’s chapel, a race riot broke out in Harlem. On the morning of the 3rd of August, we drove my father to the graveyard through a wilderness of smashed plate glass.
—“Notes of a Native Son,”
James Baldwin
Wilderness: a region uninhabited by humans
What effect does the word wilderness have on the imagery of the scene?
It creates a wild scene that contrasts humanity.
It shows there were no more people left after the riots.
It connects Baldwin’s feelings toward nature with his feelings toward his father.
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The effect of the word "wilderness" on the imagery of the scene is that it creates a wild scene that contrasts humanity.
I then, very cleverly, left all the rest to my mother, who suggested to my father, as I knew she would, that it would not be very nice to let such a kind woman make the trip for nothing. Also, since it was a schoolteacher, I imagine that my mother countered the idea of sin with the idea of “education,” which word, even with my father, carried a kind of bitter weight.
—“Notes of a Native Son,”
James Baldwin
Which definition of bitter is used in this passage?
an expression of deep pain, grief, or regret
a deep cynicism toward others
distasteful or distressing to the mind
—“Notes of a Native Son,”
James Baldwin
Which definition of bitter is used in this passage?
an expression of deep pain, grief, or regret
a deep cynicism toward others
distasteful or distressing to the mind
In this passage, the definition of "bitter" used is an expression of deep pain, grief, or regret. This interpretation relates to the complex emotions Baldwin associates with the idea of "education," particularly in the context of his father's views and the overarching themes of pain in the text.
wrong
I apologize for the oversight. In the context of the passage, the definition of "bitter" that is used is distasteful or distressing to the mind. This interpretation aligns with the implication that the concept of "education" carries a negative connotation for Baldwin and his father, suggesting a sense of discomfort or regret associated with the topic. Thank you for your patience.
When I was around nine or ten I wrote a play which was directed by a young, white schoolteacher, a woman who . . . decided to take me to see what she somewhat tactlessly referred to as “real” plays. Theater-going was forbidden in our house, but, with the really cruel intuitiveness of a child, I suspected that the color of this woman’s skin would carry the day for me. When, at school, she suggested taking me to the theater, I did not, as I might have done if she had been a Negro, find a way of discouraging her, but agreed that she should pick me up at my house one evening. I then, very cleverly, left all the rest to my mother, who suggested to my father, as I knew she would, that it would not be very nice to let such a kind woman make the trip for nothing.
—“Notes of a Native Son,” James Baldwin
What is the problem in this passage?
Baldwin’s father won’t agree to let him go to a play with a white schoolteacher.
Baldwin’s teacher offends Baldwin by suggesting his play isn’t a “real” play.
—“Notes of a Native Son,” James Baldwin
What is the problem in this passage?
Baldwin’s father won’t agree to let him go to a play with a white schoolteacher.
Baldwin’s teacher offends Baldwin by suggesting his play isn’t a “real” play.
The problem in this passage is that Baldwin’s father won’t agree to let him go to a play with a white schoolteacher. Baldwin is aware that theater-going is forbidden in his house, and he suspects that the teacher's race will influence his father's decision. This creates tension and highlights the complexities of race and parental authority in Baldwin's experience.
What is the solution in the passage?
Baldwin pleads with his father to let him go.
Baldwin’s mother speaks up for him in a persuasive way.
Baldwin pleads with his father to let him go.
Baldwin’s mother speaks up for him in a persuasive way.
The solution in the passage is that Baldwin’s mother speaks up for him in a persuasive way. She suggests to Baldwin's father that it would not be very nice to let such a kind woman make the trip for nothing, thereby advocating for Baldwin's opportunity to go to the theater.