The Fire Next Time

The Fire Next Time (nonfiction book, published in 1963)

| About the Author | Text | Criticism |

Important facts about James Baldwin

As a child, Baldwin found reading an avenue of escape from poverty and insecurity

His first story was published in a church newspaper at the age of 12.

Celebrated black writer Richard Wright became a mentor and father figure to him

Becoming increasingly frustrated with racism in America, he moved to Paris in 1948 with $40 in his pocket

He refused to be categorized as a "Negro author" or "Gay author" but rather an American author

"The book compromises two previously published essays in letter form by James Baldwin. Together they constitute a powerful warning that violence would result if white America did not change its attitude and policies toward black Americans and alter the conditions under which they were forced to live. The first, "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of Emancipation," attacks the idea that blacks are inferior to whites and emphasizes the intrinsic dignity of black people. The second, "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind," recounts Baldwin's coming-of-age in Harlem, appraises the Black Muslim movement, and states his personal beliefs."

We'll use journals to respond to the essay "The Fire Next Time".

Use the margins to make comments and raise questions about the essay.

I Agree that...

Text

I Disagree that...

2. Double-Entry Journal

Quotations	Commentary
1.
2.
3.
4.

HW #6 : Use the double entry journal to respond to the first two pages of the essay. You can interpret, respond, raise questions, summarize, etc.

"In 1943 James Baldwin's stepfather died the same day the HARLEM RIOTS broke out. These traumatic events prompted Baldwin to get out of his ill-paid job and begin writing. Much of his work centered on RACE RELATIONS, and he eventually became one of the most prominent intellectuals of the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. His initial stance was that blacks should work for equality peacefully, but as time progressed his views became more MILITANT. He warned in The Fire Next Time that American race relations were in danger of reaching violent conclusions. Its publication coincided with the 1963 MARCH ON WASHINGTON and the hundredth anniversary of the EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, leading many to view him as a prophet."

Questions for Discussion:

In what way is The Fire Next Time apocalyptic?

HW# 7: Use the double entry journal to respond to pages 3 & 4 of the essay.

"James Baldwin started his writing career as an ESSAYIST, publishing his work in a variety of journals and periodicals. His first novel, Go Tell it on the Mountain was SEMI-AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL. In Another County Baldwin uses a loose, EPISODIC STRUCTURE to trace graphic portrayals of the bisexual and interracial relations among the characters. These THEMES are common is many of Baldwin's work. He strove to make his AUDIENCES aware of the contradictions in American society, and encouraged them to be better."

HW# 9: Do research online or go to a library to do a report on:

Who were the artists, musicians and writers from the Harlem Renaissance period who had had great impact on James Baldwin's thinking and writing?

Links to Harlem Renaissance

View an image of "The Fire Next Time". What's your vision of "The Fire Next Time"?

Read more reviews about the essay.

In Only you can prevent a race war BY SIAN GIBBY, she describes,

"Cincinnatians have every right to be concerned about declining race relations. America is in danger of a major uprising of race hatred and destruction, according to Carol Swain, professor of political science and law at Vanderbilt University. "We in America, I believe, are increasingly at risk of a large-scale racial conflict unprecedented in our nation's history," she writes.

In her new book, The New White Nationalism in America, Swain takes a hard look at blacks and whites in this country and warns against such a conflagration. She sees outdated public policy and out-of-touch black leadership aggravating race conditions to the point where they could blow up and wreak havoc very soon. Most importantly, she says white nationalism, which is just a sly retooling of white supremacy and Klan-type organized racism, represents a menacing force "aiming its appeal at a broader and better-educated audience."

Do you agree? If you had to write your own version of The Fire Next Time, what would it be? Identify the social injustice you have experiences directly or indirectly, and describe them in your essay.

Turn Baldwin's essay into a speech directed towards people who are waiting to launch the Civil Rigs Movement.