Go Tell It on the Mountain

Go Tell It On The Mountain

In James Baldwin's novel, Go Tell It On The Mountain, John the main character does not

like who he is becoming as a young person. He feels that his life has been pre-

determined for him. All of his decisions are based on the beliefs of others, primarily his

father. It is my thesis that John's lack of free imagination stems from three major

struggles. These major struggles are "Father verses Son." Holiness verses Sin,"

and "Racism."

John's father, Gabriel is the source of their conflict. Gabriel's dark past has caused him

to hate his son. John does blame his father for their bad relationship, but he shares in the

blame. John is confused and begins to think that there must be something wrong with

himself to cause this type of hatred between a father and son. John knows that it is not

right for a father to display such hatred toward his own son, especially a son that is

suppose to grow up and be just like the father. John wonders why a father would resent a

son that excels in school, attends church and does what he is told. John could not

understand why his brother Roy, who was always in trouble, received his fathers love and

he received only bitterness.

Religion is very prevalent in this novel. The title, Go Tell It On The Mountain, actually

sets the religious tone. The church and scriptural quotes are utilized through out the

novel. John was always told that he would be a preacher however, he did not know if

preaching was the path he wanted to follow. Gabriel had taught John that anything

outside of church was sinful. John was entertaining choosing a worldly life instead the

holy life he was expected to follow.

John grew up in a deeply racist society. His family had moved north to escape southern

racism. John's father hated white people. He explained to John that white people

were wicked and could not be trusted. Gabriel told John that white people told nothing

but lies and not one of them ever loved a black person. John did not think as his father.

He noted that white people had been nice to him and were supportive of him in school.

John felt that he could be honored and respected by whites.

The novel opens on Johns fourteenth birthday. John has hopes that this will be a special

day for him. He has decided that he should do something different with his life and not

what his father, Gabriel expects him to do. "For he had made his decision. He would not

be like his father, or his father's fathers. He would have another life" (page 19 part one:

the seventh day). It doesn't seem natural for a servant of God to display hatred,