Go Tell It On The Mountain, By James Baldwin

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Community is an aspect that contributes to a sense of belonging, especially within race and religion. In James Baldwin’s novel Go Tell it on the Mountain, protagonist John is confronted with the challenges of accepting a destined religion and the impact of conversion. Likewise to Baldwin’s character, in Octavia Butler’s text, Parable of the Sower, Laura deals with the same situation, as it is intertwined with spirituality. Both characters convey oppression through gender and stereotypical differences, and paternal relationships. Also, Baldwin’s work is deeply rooted in literary realism, as he reflects on being raised in a fairly strict Pentecostal household. This emotional distance between Baldwin and his father, shapes a resentful relationship. …show more content…
Since conversion is still a new idea in both characters’ lives, they are at first hesitant to ensure they are positive with their plan. For example, John attempts to fully immerse himself into the church to please his father and to demonstrate that he respects him, as his father’s controllable goal is to ‘Set thine house in order,’” (Baldwin 33).. As a result, he hopes that this will distract his father before he eventually decides he wants to leave his current religious affiliation. The words “Down at the Cross” were first referenced on page 14 of Go Tell It on the Mountain: “Down at the cross where my Saviour died! Or: Jesus, I’ll never forget how you set me free! Or: Lord, hold my hand while I run this race” (Baldwin 14). The significance of Baldwin displaying these lyrics very early in the novel sets the stage for his eventual conversion. The word “down” illustrates a negative connotation of his relationship with the church, Jesus, and the cross. The reason for his newly found safety was the community that he could most express himself in. Church is a place of community and worship, and John arrived at this goal through his
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