How does Baldwin through his language technique succeed in immersing his reader in the experience of his characters? Chose any section of his amazing story “Going to Meet the Man”
Through-out Baldwin’s “Going to Meet the Man” he utilises a plethora of language techniques which allow for the reader to immerse themselves completely with his characters and their experiences. The section I would like to focus on today is far from beautiful by any definition, however, it evokes such a deep emotional and physical response from the reader that it compels you to read on. On pages 434 – 436 Baldwin writes of an African American man being stripped of his human dignity, as well as his life in front of a group of White American families as if it is a show for them. Through-out the entirety of this section, each excruciating moment before his death is written in such detail that it creates a vivid image in one’s mind. Jesse, a boy of 8 years old, is integral when allowing for the reader to immerse themselves in the text. Baldwin exploits children’s jargon and manner of speech in this section, most notably in the quote “What did he do? Jesse wondered. What did the man do? What did he do?” The significance of this quote can be found in the repetition of the phrase “What did he do?”; this deliberate repetition epitomises the notion of a child struggling to understand their surroundings and situations. In addition, Baldwin further exploits Jesse’s childhood innocence by contrasting Jesse’s emotions with the true nature of the situation. This is evident in “He turned his head a little and saw the field of faces. He watched his mother’s face… she was more beautiful that he had ever seen her…” This contrast of his mothers beauty and the reality of what is happening gives rise to a heightened connection with the text in a manner which demands a physical and emotional response.
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