Baldwin uses quite a bit of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout the novel, and particularly in this section (pp.44-65). How does he incorporate this language into the text? Give examples and explain the effect of such language. What larger purpose does this language serve in developing theme?
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Baldwin encompasses an immense amount of religious diction this section of the book. He utilizes the speech of other characters as well as his own thoughts and interpretation about what is gong on around him to do so. When John and Elisha were cleaning the church, lots of religious diction took place for Elisha was trying to talk to and convince John to eventually let the lord have his salvation. In order to do so Elisha had to talk about every day life of a young man and how being saved effects it positively such as when he states"I mean beautiful girls... I tell them Jesus saved me....aint no woman, nor, no man going to make me change my mind" (pg 50). I believe Baldwin encompassed a lot of spiritual diction during this conversation to illuminate the fact that Elisha is a true man of God and is trying to advise John on how to make an informed decision about his salvation and giving him peer insight as to what it is really like. In John's perception of Elisha during this conversation, certain terms like the fact that he gave his father "a holy kiss"(pg. 51) is used to show that John does see Elisha as an actual role model under God where as just because Hohn's father is saved, Joh doesn't necessary look up to him due to his actions. He also uses a lot of religious diction in talking to the singers who he believes to be blessed with their voices and I think he does this to illuminate how John felt they were truly blessed with their voices and utilize them for the works of God. In speaking of his aunt and father's family history, he uses the religious diction to both illuminate and demonstrate contradiction in their "religious actions". He speaks of Gabriel and Florence in very contrasting tones illuminating the fact that they were not treated equally as children and that the father is not as "holy" as he claims to be. Baldwin states how Florence was forced to pray , but no one really believed she was and that he mother always gave everything to Gabriel for he was a man who would have to learn how to run his own household and Florence was a woman expected to just perform wifely duties at home. He speaks of how many "came to complain of Gabriel's wrongdoing at one time or another" (pg 66). This is to illuminate the contradiction in Gabriel's actions towards his children for he beats them for making mistakes and doing tasks that are not unto the Lord, but seems to lack acknowledgement of the fact that the acts that he has done the same in his lifetime. The religious tone taken in this section works well to illuminate certain thoughts of John in the story and make it clear of the struggle he is facing in his internal conflicts of salvation.
ReplyDeleteJohn's religious tone in this section is used in a context to illuminate the way John feels about different situations. When John and Elisha got into a fight inside of the church they both were really aggressive; "...but tonight John was filled with a determination not to be conquered, or at least to make the conquest dear." (Baldwin 48) He did not want to get conquered by Elisha at all and I feel as if all the things that was going through his mind from family and with himself that was built up inside of him was let out all on Elisha inside the church. Although the fight was something normal because boys do fight often but inside of a church was very skeptical and weird because right after John was at the pulpit imagining his future. When John dusted off the piano he also began to think about his future, especially since Elisha told him how "he had Adam's mind and body until he is reborn again and he will not think about pleasure with young ladies anymore." When that was said and done it seems as if the religious tone got a lot more deeper and intense because they both began to realize they are both the same and God is able to change people from all types of situations. John's religious tone is to help himself overcome any and every different outcome that comes in his way now and in the future.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses quite a lot of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction by incorporating descriptions of the church and the actions of the people around John. In the beginning, the narrator states, "...[John's] father was only a caretaker in the house of God... On Friday night he conducted the Young Ministers' Service and preached with them" (Baldwin 46). By describing duties and visual imagery, religion is incorporated. Dialogue is also a form of diction that Baldwin uses to incorporate religious and biblical references. By this form of delivery, the text does not seem "preachy" which helps to draw the attention of a wide audience. The story is formed to reflect the importance of religion without a history or Bible lesson. The religious tone represents how John feels about certain situations. The language also helps to form a more intense meaning. For example, Elisha says, "'I know it looks harder from the outside, especially when you young. But you believe me, boy, you can't find no greater joy that you fine and the service of the Lord'" (Baldwin 49). The meaning behind this statement is empowered by the language and the use of the religious reference to God. By referring back to religion, Baldwin illustrates John's internal struggle with his beliefs and his salvation. The language serves the purpose to frame the ideas surrounding the theme. Baldwin uses this language to develop a theme with a religious or spiritual meaning.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporates spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout the novel by using the characters and the church setting. For example, when John and Elisha are alone in the church and Elisha asks John about if he was thinking about his soul and goes on to say this, “But when the Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam, He gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don’t find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day. (49)”. Elisha is saying that John might be hesitant to be saved by the Lord because he might want to have the opportunity to do worldly things still, but once he gives his life to God he will have more pleasure than the world can give. Then, when John is in the church and Sister McCandless says, “He said, because you ain’t neither hot or cold I’m going to spit you outen my mouth. That’s the word.(53)” She is saying that the kids like John that are neither saved or of the world are bad in the Lord’s eyes, like how John is deciding if the saved life is for him even though he already know that the right thing to do would be to follow the Lord. The purpose of this language is to show the seriousness of how the church stresses the need to follow the Lord.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin includes a great deal of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction by involving the church and the things that takes place inside. John is confused, he do not know whether he wants to be saved or not. He fears that he will fall short and have a stronger desire to sin. However, in reality, it is the complete opposite. Elisha tells us this when she says "I know it looks harder from the outside, especially when you young. But you believe me, boy, you can't find no greater joy that you find in the service of the Lord" (Baldwin 49). She tries to ensure him that once he gets saved, his life will get better because the Lord will be there for him always. The purpose of him using this language is because it relates to the theme and it shows the importance of church and developing a relationship with the Lord and how it can impact one's life.
ReplyDeleteJohn right now in the story is going through some sort of internal battle between letting himself be saved and live the life he knows is hardest but best, and giving into sin and living the life he wants to live now instead of waiting until the after life. In this section of the novel, Baldwin uses a great deal of spiritual language through John's thoughts as well as plenty of other characters. When John and Elisha where in the church and Elisha was trying to convince John to let Jesus be his savor he starts by saying "Boy, ain't it time you was thinking about your soul?" and John doesn't really know how to respond. During there conversation, there is a lot of spiritual and Biblical language being used. Once the two sisters come in it only continues with them. This is just the beginning for this is only preparing us for something dramatic to happen to John, whether it is good or bad.
ReplyDeleteIn the text, Baldwin uses a great amount of religious diction which adds to the tone of the book. It creates a set mood and atmosphere that lets the reader know his religious background. Part of this story is centered around religion and John's father wanting him to follow in his foot steps, so the religious diction adds to one of the many themes of this story. In this section of the book, John does in fact speak a lot of religious diction because he is working in the church at this time. John is at an awkward point in his life because he doesn't know if he wants to be saved or not. He hears everything that his father wants of him, but he can't really picture that as his own lifestyle. Elisha tells John " But when the lord saves you, he burns out all of that old Adam".(Baldwin 49) He was trying to explain things to John in a manner that would be a lot more understandable. I feel like Elisha is a very religious man of God and wants to show ensure that John understands what it means to be saved and live a Holy life. He tells him that life is easier when you are saved because you don't have to live in the wicked world full of sadness of the world and no pleasures. (50). I think this language helps develop the theme of Faith and Worldliness. John must decide if he is willing to keep his faith and believe or live life in the wicked world. This is something that he must figure out on his own, no matter how much people try to preach to him, ultimately he has to find his way,
ReplyDeleteThe developing theme in this novel is John having self conflict within his self in trying to figure out whether he wants to devote his life to God or live a life of sin.Baldwin uses quite a bit of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout the novel and a significant conversation in the novel was on page 49. Elisha is pretty much telling John you need to get it together and come to God it is about that time. John wants to be able to enjoy life and he feels that if he gives his life to God he won't be able to do that, that's what's stopping him from getting saved. The affects of such religious language is turning poor John away from God.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses religious diction to expose more of the characters' sins and their last chances for redemption. He also illuminates the ironic homosexual tendencies of the characters and their proclaimed religious states. For instance, John greets Elisha with a holy phrase and then goads Elisha into wrestling with him. John discloses more of his sin by feeling "wicked delight [while] watching these manifestations [or aspects of Elisha's changing physical state] of [John's] power (55)." The church's practices are questionable as well. John reminisces about a Communion Sunday where the men and women are segregated, perform an act dictated by Christ for his disciples, and ended with segregated groups sharing a "holy kiss (59)." Then Elisha admits his possible thoughts of homosexuality accidentally by preaching to John of his triumph over temptation. Elisha tells John "no woman, no, nor man neither going to change his mind (58)." Elisha claims he is saved, but John asks the most important question, "What are Elisha's thoughts at night when in bed alone? Are his sheets, his skin, and his thoughts foul? (64-65)." John's questions correspond to his father. John's father claims he is a man of God, but he hits his mother. The ironic statement made by Sister McCandless that "because you are neither hot nor cold I'm going to spit you outen my mouth" (61) foreshadows the complete story. Most of the characters have a private life hidden from the public which is at times contradictory to their preachings, which characters that will be cast from their perfect image is only hinted.
ReplyDeleteI believe Baldwin put a lot of deal of spiritual, religious and biblical diction by including a lot of the church things into the different scenes that take place at the church. I feel as though John is confused on his thoughts on being saved and that makes a lot of commotion with him and other people in the story. The way his thinking shows us about him it seems like he will rather sin than to be of God because he thinks that being a holy righteous person would make his life boring just like his parents. The best part that correspond with what I say is when Elisha was talking to John basically telling him that it is not what it look like and how it have some great aspect to it. He wants John to realize that being saved his life would be more than his ordinary life because this would be the life God wants him to live. The language is used so that we can see the relationship between him and God and how it’s going to affect his life in the end.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporate quite a bit of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout the novel by being very descriptive of the scenes, especially in the church or the conversation with Elisha. The way he describes the scenes sets the mood for the book to go forward to what Baldwin has in store for John. Because John is confused about whether he should become a pastor like everyone wants him to be, the language kind of puts an influence on his decision. John has a lot of conflicts within himself. Without this biblical diction, this book wouldn't exactly be this book. The diction frames the entire book. For example, he was really descriptive about the church on page 45. It sets the mood for the entire scene between John and Elisha's conversation. Without this description, the reader will probably lose the image of the setting. Dialogues help strengthen the store. It keeps the reader more drawn towards the book rather than stray away because of boredom.
ReplyDeleteIn this part of the text, John goes to the church and talks to Elisha. Religious diction is used to express how hard it can sometimes be to stay on track with a good life. At this point, John is still confused about his life and who he wants to become, because his parents are always telling him what to do. He is still unsure of what life he wants to live, so talking to Elisha essentially helps him understand that it is not supposed to be an easy choice. For example, Elisha tells him that it's hard to live a life religiously, but its a lot better than living in this living world where there's no pleasure anyways, and going to Hell. (Baldwin 50) Elisha proves that living a life religious and following a path where there is actually something to look forward to is a lot better than living in a world without meaning and going to Hell. He explains that the world is wicked and without a higher being in his life, of course it is going to seem hard. Elisha is trying to persuade JOhn to stay on board with his religion, but at the same time keep him from over thinking everything. Now, John must choose for himself where he wants to be at this point in his life.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses strong spiritual and religious diction to show how John truly feels about religion and how confused he is when it comes to where he stands on religion, while also shinning light on the true character of the people surrounding him. "Boy ain't it time you was thinking about your soul?" " I guess so, John said with a quietness that terrified him. I know it looks hard, said Elisha, from the outside especially when your young. But you believe me boy, you can't find no greater joy than you find in the service of the Lord." (Pg.54) Through this quote we view that John is still at odds, terrified and confused about religion and his salvation. Through Baldwin diction we not only see how John feels but readers getter a better understanding of the peoples true character. One character in particular is Elisha. "And boy some of them is real nice girls, I mean beautiful girls and when you got so much power they don't even tempt you then you know you saved sure enough. I just look at them and tell them that Jesus saved me one day and I'm going to go all the way with him. Aint no woman nor no man neither going to make me change my mind". (Pg.55) Here in this quote we see a large amount of spiritual and religious language like "with God, tempt, and saved" all word used when talking about religion or spiritual living. We also delve deeper into who Elisha really is showing us that Elisha is determined to live god with God and according to God's word no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThe author uses diction to highlight how John feels about the situations going around him. Throughout this section there were many references toward religion and the bible. In the scene where John and Elisha were in the church cleaning up Elisha was trying to influence John into becoming saved. Elisha states, “You got to remember that you think about it with a carnal mind. You still got Adam’s mind and you keep thinking about your friends…” (49). The author uses this scene to show the audience that Elisha is a genuine man of God and he wants John to follow in his footsteps. In the same scene Elisha tells John about how the girls in his school are moral distractions. “Some of them is real nice girls, I mean beautiful girls and when you got so much power they don’t tempt you…I just look at them and I tell them that Jesus saved me one day and I’m going to go all the way with Him.” (50). This statement is ironic because it’s like Elisha knows that John is coming into his sexuality and it feels like Elisha knows that John sinned with his hands. I feel that the author uses religious diction in this story because he is trying to show his audience the underlying theme that God has a lesson for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Seaira. When Elisha and John talk I feel like they are having a spritutal guiding session. As Elisha shares his dodging temeptaion moments and telling John to beaware of young men temptations, that makes the "God has a lesson for everyone" theme visible.
DeleteIn this section Baldwin utilizes Biblical diction and phrases to illustrate the personalities of the church goers, describe the life to which he was headed, and highlight the importance of religion in the African-American community. The dialogue between the characters displayed many religious phrases and quotes. “…he that is faithful in little things shall be made chief over many,” and “…the first shall be last and the last shall be first,” are examples of this dialogue (53). This shows that the characters are heavily reliant upon their faith. Also, it shows their overwhelming impression upon John. This could be another factor that increases John’s distance from the religion. The use of this diction also depicts the rigid life that religion requires. During their conversation Elisha tells John, “…you keep thinking about your friends, you want to do what they do, and you want to go to the movies, and I bet you think about girls…” (49). He then follows by stating, “…when the Lord saves you He burns out all that…and then you don’t find no pleasure in the world” (49). Through this diction Baldwin is able to utilize Elisha to illuminate the life of a Christian to John. However, this also makes the life of a Christian less appealing to John. Finally, by using this diction Baldwin is able to show the reader the significant role that religion played in the African-American community. The dialogue of the characters showed that everything within life revolved around religion. Baldwin was able to illustrate to the reader many aspects by using this style of diction.
ReplyDeleteJames Baldwin uses a lot of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction in the novel and section to demonstate how religion plays a huge part in his life and the people around him. Most of the scenes in this section deals with John and Brother Elisha at the church while they were cleaning it. This can also be a reason why Baldwin uses a lot of relgious language to show how people talk when they are in God's house. Baldwin writes, "There faced the congregation, flowing downward from this height, the scarlet altar cloth that bore the golden cross and the legend: JESUS SAVES" (Baldwin 49). Baldwin also writes, "He thought of a First Sunday, Communion Sunday not long ago when the saints, dressed all in white, ate flat, unsalted bread, which was the body of the Lord, and drank red grape juice, which was His blood" (Baldwin 51). Both quotes focus mainly on the church, and what is inside and what goes on inside. Baldwin has Brother Elisha demanding that John gets saved and to accept God. The effect of the language that Baldwin uses is to get the reader to understand that he is a very religious person, and he knows who God is. The larger purpose that this language serves in developing the theme is that Baldwin in the section or portion of the novel is focusing and educating people on the knowledge of his religion and what his beliefs are. It is clear to see that Baldwin understands a lot about religious practicing, and he wants everyone to know about it as well.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin includes a great deal of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction as he includes the description of the church and the things that go on inside it. There is a reoccurring theme in the novel that shows Baldwin's religious knowledge and upbringing. When John is in the church cleaning with Elisha, he has the thoughts that he has had throughout the story; in what direction is his life going, and does he want to live for the Lord or live for the flesh. Elisha does a great job convicting John when he says "You've still got Adam's mind boy.....But when the Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam." (Baldwin 49) Throughout this section of reading, Baldwin uses religious diction to show how important and ritualistic religion was to the church and to the community. i
ReplyDeleteI believe that Bladwin uses this religious diction in order for you to connect religious parables with what happens in the novel. For example the fight between John and Elisha is an allusion to the story of the battle between Jacob and God. John is a symbol for Jacob and Elisha was the symbol for God. John questioned the way that Elisha was working as man questions the way that God. Then when they begin to fight Elisha grabs John's waist just as the being that wrestled Jacob grabs his waist. Next Balwin points out that John was much weaker and smaller than Elisha, however, he gained strength through anger and frustration just as man does.Overall the effect of this language gives us a greater grasp on the meaning of each event in the novel just as the fight between John and Elisha had.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin works biblical diction in through the dialogue between his characters, especially the ones that are thought to know the Lord, like sister McCandless, who uses a Bible verse to describe what happens to people who relax in their faith and become warm. She says, “It sure is time to hold a revival among our young folks, they’re cooling off something terrible… He said, because you ain’t neither hot nor cold I’m going to spit you outen my mouth. That’s the Word.” (53), in order to convey the seriousness of the matter concerning the youth in their church because she believes that the Lord won’t bless the church if they allow their youth to become “lax.” By using biblical references Baldwin paints a picture of the strongly religious upbringing he endured and the expectations of him and his life that were centered around the belief that John was “faithful.” But, they also reveal the nature of the various ways that the Lord and his plan for his life were illuminated for him in his childhood. The way he describes such events, in God Tell it on the Mountain, help the reader to form a bigger picture out of the seemingly short anecdotes that depict his life through eyes of John.
ReplyDeleteWhen Baldwin uses a lot of spiritual, biblical, and religious diction throughout the novel, he incorporates this language into the text through the dialect and speech of the characters. In the novel the characters speak with a certain country undertone, "' Ain't need to wash your hands if you come here to work. Just take hold of that mop and put some soap and water in the bucket.''Lord,' said Elisha, running water into the sink, and talking it seemed to the water"(47). Baldwin makes the lord apart of the characters every day lives. Even in a simple conversation, or in frustration Elisha speaks to the Lord to get her point across. Another example of religious diction would be, "You still got Adam's mind boy.....and you don't want to give up all that. But when thee Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam, He gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don't find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus everyday"(49). They are very religious people. They use religion as a way to live by. Religion is their life style.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Lloyd: Week 4
ReplyDeleteThe usage of the religious, spiritual, and biblical language in this section of the novel helps set up the theme that Baldwin is trying to convey. John is questioning his faith throughout the entire novel and finds faults within the religion itself. In this section (p. 44-65) John gets angry with Elisha when he talks about John just needs to be saved and “…get all [his] joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day” (p.49). After these comment of just finding Joy in “walking and talking” with the Lord and that it was better than living in a world full of sadness and wickedness of the world. This makes John angry because he remembers incident with Ella Mae and Father James called it evil in his flesh of what they were doing. This made John want to question Elisha even more of how he could believe what he was saying when he himself when against it to enjoy other things in life besides the Lord. This seems to be the occurring theme for the main character John…his questions of the Christian faith. The extra use of the religious language also helps set up a picture of John being smothered by religion, where its suffocating him so much that he cannot think clearly of what to do and this is why he has so many questions; religion seems to be forced onto him wherever he goes and whatever he does.
ReplyDeleteThe author applies a great amount of spiritual, religious diction in this section. The most amount of these types of dictions were used when John and Elisha were in the church cleaning. Elisha states, "But when The Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam, He gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don't find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus everyday"(p.49). Elisha is trying to explain to John that when one gets saved they don't have a sinful mind like Adam did in the bible, but they have a new pure mind that would only seek being with Jesus. John has yet to find his true self. He is confused on if he truly wants to give his life to God because he might miss out on the fun things in life. The author puts John in situations that will open his eyes to the right direction John needs to take in life. No matter how much John tries to run away from religion, he will always be surrounded by it.
Baldwin uses a wide variety of religious diction throughout his book "Go Tell It To the Mountain." By using religious and biblical dictions, the tone of the book is quite dark and gloomy. This is effective in telling the story because this book revolves around a young boy named John who is afraid of sins and salvation. While John was doing is daily cleaning in the church one evening, his friend Elisha joins him. The two boys talk, and wrestles in the house of God. Then Elisha asks John, " Boy, ain't it time you were thinking about your soul?" John hesitates, and agrees. Elisha told John that he still has Adam's mind which means John wants to do things that God does not want him to do. Baldwin was able to incorporate religious diction here through the use of dialogues between Elisha and John. This part about "Adam" references the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. The author uses this reference to show that John and Adam are similar and they are bound to sin. Using religious diction serves in the purpose of introducing the theme of sin and salvation since the Bible has a lot to do with these two themes. The sisters in the church agrees that John will be saved by the Lord. However, John does not feel that way. He sees himself as a sinful person, and he's not certain that he will be saved. With all the religious diction in the book augmenting to the theme of the book really helps connect the story together.
ReplyDeleteIn this section Baldwin uses a a lot of biblical diction to elaborate his ideas throughout the story. Through out this section, it goes into the character John and focuses on the decision he makes towards being saved or not. Baldwin uses a particular biblical reference when the two sisters of the church are conversing, "... because you ain't neither hot or cold I'm going to spit you outen my mouth. That's the Word. " (pg. 53) Baldwin uses the biblical quote here because he refers the youth of that church. I took this as an interpretation that the youth cannot be on two sides of the fence at the same time. For Baldwin, it either you are saved , which is to be on the Lords side, or not to be saved which is on Satan's side. To be in the middle is the worse of all things. This ties into the story because John must either choose whether or not he wants to be saved. He cannot remain in the middle forever. This language helps develop the theme, with the notion that the character John is pushed into doing a act that he really is not fully aware of.
ReplyDeleteWhen Baldwin uses spiritual, religious, and biblical diction in this section, he effectively creates the tone of the story. He incorporates the language into the text through everyday actions, such as when John is cleaning the church with Elijah. Elijah’s alludes to the Bible and metaphorically explains to John that, “when the Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam” (Baldwin 49). Elijah is referring to the first sin described in the Bible, letting John know that God washes away all sin when He saves His children. Instead of simply saying that God washes away your sin, Elijah uses this phrase to emphatically testify to John that all his dirty deeds will be undone. As Elijah is explaining to John about the dangers of being tempted, he talks about girls and how “they nice girls, but their minds ain’t on the Lord and I try to tell them the time to repent ain’t tomorrow, it’s today” (50). He tells John with two goals in mind; to let him know that following the Lord is the best way to go, and to watch out for temptation as he gets older. The spiritual language in this instance serves as a moral guide for John disguised as life lessons taught by Elijah. It is also a twist in the theme since John is struggling to come to terms with his spirituality, while the spiritual, religious, and biblical diction is knocking him off course.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout this section of the novel. Baldwin incorporates this text through flash backs of incidents and current situations that could call for such spiritual, religious, and biblical beliefs. For example Sister McCandless describes the young people that belong to the church and says that, "because you ain't hot nor cold I'm going to spit you outen my mouth" (Baldwin 53). The effects of such language can be tied to the development of a theme. The language used in combination with certain situations causes a reflectiveness regarding ones religion, and this could be the developing theme.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin does use a lot of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction in this section of the novel. He incorporates this language into the text with a the use of flashbacks. The part where Florence comes into the church is an example of biblical diction. The narrator says that a message had came form Hezekiah. "Set thine in order, for thou shalt die and not live." pp. 61. Here Baldwin flashes back to many nights ago when Florence received the message. This effect shows the reader that although Florence hasn't been that involved in church, there is still apart of her mother in her. Her mother was a very religious person. The larger purpose is that Florence might ultimately straighten her faith in God and attend church a little more with the family. Another example of the diction is when Baldwin includes what the legend said on the altar's cloth. "JESUS SAVES" pp. 49. Elisha and John had just got finished having a conversation on how John wasn't saved. including that could foreshadow that John will eventually be saved, and that God will be the only one to save him.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin includes a lot of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout this section. He includes it in various ways which include the description of the items in the church and the description of the people themselves as well as their sins. John is stuck in a dilema in this section as he can either let Jesus be his savior and live the tough life that he knows with his family or commit sins which is the life he is dreaming of. One surprising thing is that John is trying to run away from religion, but his story and his situation has always something tied along with it. Just as in this section, the theme is in the church with his friend Elisha which is trying to get him to stop committing sins and let God guide him through his life.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin’s use of religious diction is highly prevalent throughout the novel. The use of this language is heavily concentrated in this section because of the church setting. The biblical diction helps the reader to understand the characterization of the “saints”. For example when Elisha is explaining to John why he should become saved, he says that God “gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don’t find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day” (Baldwin 49). This shows how Elisha is supposed to be all holy and God fearing but yet he was called out by the pastor one Sunday. Elisha is all but completely holy he is not acting out what he is preaching. It also displays how John is struggling with his own faith. John was raised in the church so he is obligated to all his duties because of his parents and not because of God. When everyone was singing John had to sing otherwise they would force him to sing, john did not feel like he had a reason to rejoice in song. He questioned why he was faith (56). The diction’s purpose is point way at the theme of hypocrisy in the church. Behind closed doors the church people were not the same people when they are in church.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses several examples of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout the novel especially in our reading for this week. For example, this verse caught my attention, "You've still got Adam's mind boy.....But when the Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam." (Baldwin 49) This described how right now John is battling with his own “devils” and problems, but as soon as he figures out his purpose in life and his true desires, everything will be ok. Basically stating once John puts his faith in God, he will then find himself. I feel that Baldwin incorporated this language to give us the reader, a better understanding of the message he is trying to relate in every aspect. He also uses is to help us connect to the situation given when he uses the certain diction.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin's use of biblical and spiritual content throughout the novel could possibly be a sign of foreshadowing. For all that is bad comes out in the light. Baldwin particularly uses the references when he is describing the scene in the church. John is the first to enter the church that night where he is able to make judgments about its appearance. He says the church is like the rug, whereas no matter how much he cleans it will still be stained. the members in the church do not make it any cleanlier even though they may feel as if they do. the two women who enter the church toward the end of the novel come dressed in all balck as if they are stained with sin. John's father who is highly respected as a man of great faith in the congregation is not who members know he is at home. The church is a way for its members to "fake it". To become something they are not.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the Foreshadowing part. I think if you use direct quotes from the novel then it would help out making your point across clearer.
DeleteIn the novel, Baldwin uses a great amount of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction which helps develop to the tone and mood of the story. It allows the reader to better understand John's personal struggle with religion. It helps uphold religion as a major part of John's and also his family's life. In this particular part of the book Sister McCandless tells Elisha "He said, because you ain't neither hot or cold I'm going to spit you outen my mouth. That's the Word"(53) , referring to the saved young adults in the church that do not behave as so. Sister McCandless goes on to commend Johhny for behaving so saint like without even having to be saved. This compliment and excerpt of scripture helps add to the mood after John's discussion with Elisha about wanting to be saved and being nervous about the task being hard. The reference to the scripture Revelation 3:16 describes John's spirituality and helps to show why his decision is so important. This verse talks about people that "are half way with God" and John is considered to be halfway because he has yet to be saved. Without this type of diction throughout the novel it would not be able to covey John's spiritual connection with God and its importance to him. The theme of developing a better relationship with God would also not be as strong without the use of this diction.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin integrates a lot of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction into his text by incorporating many factors like language, dialogue, and many other things. Baldwin is also one who ties his text to other incidents and situations by using flashbacks throughout the book. A prime example where Baldwin tries to incorporate religious and biblical diction is after the fight between Elijah and John and Elijah asks,"Boy, ain't it time you was thinking about your soul?"(Baldwin 49). He later makes another reference when he says even though he likes going to the movies and girls nothing is better than when,"...He burns out all that old adam, He gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don't find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day" (Baldwin 49).Baldwin is referencing to Genesis from the bible when Adam was tempted by Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. John is basically Adam in this case and instead of eating the fruit and diverging from the path of the Lord Elijah is giving the suggestions that John should give himself fully to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporates spiritual, religion, biblical diction by including the religious scenes that occur in the church. An example of the use of spiritual and biblical diction is during John's and Elisha's conversation in the church. Elisha reminding John, "But when the Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam, He gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don't find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day" These religious words are used in the conversation to explain to John that when you make a sin, like Adam did, God burns the "old Adam" away from you. Instead, He gives you a much better mind and heart where you can only find pleasure in life when you follow Jesus. This language helps develop the theme by making John realize that worshiping Jesus is the right movement to take in life and no matter how much he dislikes his religious family, religions morals and values will always surround him.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout this section of the novel. Baldwin includes these religious beliefs by trying to get people to open their eyes and see that the situation and what they are doing isn't working and another method has to take place. An example of this is when Roy starts hanging with the wrong crowd of boys and his father has to continually chastise him. So Roy's mother said, "You better pray God to stop him before somebody puts another knife in him and puts him in his grave" (Baldwin 49). The language in which Roy's mother uses can be referenced to a religious event. The religious event in which I speak of is when the Roman solider stuck a spear in the side of Jesus Christ as he began to die on Calvary. After the crucifixion of Jesus he was taken down from his cross and placed in a tomb (his grave) and three days later he arose from the dead.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporates the spiritual language into the text through johns dialog with Elijah after they where cleaning up the church. Elijah was motivating john to give his life to Christ. "I know it looks hard," said Elijah, "from the outside, especially when you young. but you believe me, boy, you cant find no greater joy than you finding the service of the lord."(49). some of the affect of the spiritual language has an positive effect on john. which then makes Elijah hope that it will point john in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThroughout this section of "Go Tell It on The Mountain" there has been a vast amount of spiritual and religious diction, especially during his conversation with Elisha. While John and Elisha are cleaning up the church Elisha states, "Boy, ain't it time you was thinking about your soul?" and John replies "I guess so. (49)” This represents how John is still hesitant about where he stands with God. He still doesn't know if he wants to be a part of the worldly life, which looks great, or walk with Jesus. During this time Elisha reassures him that the world isn’t as it seems and that girls and the street life might look nice now, but God is the true savior. He lets John know that it isn’t as hard as it appears and reveals to him that he once was in those same shoes, but he made a decision. When you decide to believe in God, you will never regret it or even think about going back. Elisha states, “But when the Lord saves you he burns out all the Adam, he gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don’t find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day (49).” The theme is that the only right way to live is with God and HE is the only one to always have our back.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporates spiritual and biblical diction in the novel through the characters dialogues. He uses the characters to show how strong their faiths are and to display their situations. Florence sings, “It’s me. It’s me, it’s me, oh, Lord. Standing in the need of prayer” (Baldwin 59). The language effects the way I see Florence. I never knew a lot about her in the first part of the novel. However through her prayer, I am able to see that she is fighting demons and that she is struggling just like John. Through this song, she is ministering to herself. She is letting God know that she is in need of him and that she is coming to him because she needs him and it’s not because her mother or father is telling her to seek God. She then goes on to say how she forgot how to pray and she knew it when her mother taught her.
ReplyDeleteBy including this type of language throughout the novel Baldwin is showing how the characters grow more or less in their beliefs and views of God. This to also language helps to bring the characters to life. It tells their struggles.
Baldwin Incoporates spiritual,religious,and biblical diction by using the people of. The church and the personal encounter with God and how they lives are related to the bible.For example "for the message had come to Florence that had come to Hezekiah: Set thine house in order,for thou shalt die not live". In other words put your house in order because you are going to die;you will not recover.
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of this language is give the reader a feel on people who religion have a impact on there everyday life and their point of view of God.
Baldwin uses a great amount of religious diction in which adds to the tone of the novel. It creates a set mood, which allows the reader to know how influential his religious background is to his daily life. Majority of this story is centered on religion and John's father wanting him to follow in his footsteps, so one could argue the religious diction adds to one of the many themes of this story. In this section of the book, John does in fact speak a lot of religion because he is working in the church at this time. One realizes now more than ever that John is at an awkward point in his life because he is trying to find his self but is lost due to the morals and values that have been instilled in since birth. He struggles with deciding if he wants to live by what his parents define as a Christian life or does he want to be apart of a world where he is bound for hell. Elisha tells John " But when the Lord saves you, he burns out all of that old Adam".(Baldwin 49) He was trying to explain to John that when you get saved the old you is washed away. Although Elisha is a religious man it seems as if he is forcing John to choice a life style that necessarily isn’t meant for him. He tells him that life is easier when you are saved because you don't have to live in the wicked world full of sadness of the world and no pleasures. (50). I think this language helps develop the theme of Faith and Worldliness. John must decide if he is willing to keep his faith and believe or live life in the wicked world. This is something that he must figure out on his own, no matter how much people try to preach to him, ultimately he has to find his way,
ReplyDeleteBaldwin emphasized so much on church and religious diction and themes throughout the book and in this section especially because John is having an ongoing struggle with being with God or against Him. John knows that if he goes against God he will be doing wrong and he will disappoint his father. Elisha is trying to stir John in the direction to take the religious route. He says, “…But believe me, boy, you can’t find no greater joy than you find in the service of the Lord.” (49) He wants John to know that it may be hard for him now that he is young but there is joy with God and there is nothing greater. The reason that Baldwin uses religious diction in this section is because he wants Elisha to show John that he needs to be saved and allow God to step in and take over his life so that he may be better off in the world and on his own eventually. Olivia Sherman: Week 4
ReplyDeleteIn this section of the novel, John continues to struggle on whether or not to choose a path leading to or straying away from God. As John is cleaning the church, Elisha sees it fit to try his hand at persuading John to give his heart to the Lord. John is further internally pressured to become saved by the interactions that follow Elisha’s speech. Sister McCandless and Sister Price both share their unknowingly inaccurate opinions of John. The Sisters commend John for being “faithful in little things,” such as cleaning the church on Saturdays, and it is assumed that because of this thoughtful act, John “shall be made chief over many” (Baldwin 53). Even when Elisha points out that John has not been saved yet, Sister Price exclaims that “the first shall be the last and the last shall be the first” when the time comes for God to accept individuals into Heaven (53). These ironic statements cause John a great deal of discomfort. His uneasiness elevates when spots his Aunt Florence, who usually does not attend church, accompanying his father and mother for prayer. John realizes that God is working mysteriously as of late and he contemplates whether he should begin to follow the Word. The author, Baldwin, gives the reader a taste of what may be holding John back by including the character’s understanding that “God [does] not hear the prayers of the fearful, for the hearts of the fearful [hold] no belief” (61).
ReplyDeleteThroughout the Book Baldwin incorporates spiritual, and religion throughout the book in the characters and church. One example of this can be seen on page 49 when John and Elisa are alone in the church. Elisa asks John a question and then says, “ But when the Lord saves you He burns out all that old Adam, He gives you a new mind and a new heart, and then you don't find no pleasure in the world, you get all your joy in walking and talking with Jesus every day” (49). In other words Elisha is saying that John is hesitant to be saved because he still wants to experience life. But his life with god will give him that pleasure and more. John's confusion sets the mood throughout this section of the book.
ReplyDeleteIn Go tell it on the Mountain, I believe Baldwin uses biblical verses and uses religious dialect for a number of reasons. Baldwin is able to reach all audiences if he gives readers who are not religiously incline the ability to understand whats going on. The overall theme of the story is like stated in class an autobiography of James himself. The book is meant to shine light on the spiritual journey John went through, one much similar to James Baldwin's.The language effects the tone of how one may view the novel. While reading as a christian myself it allows me to relate to certain situations. It seems as if he incorporates religious jargon when he have to reflect back to a spiritual situation leaving a greater understanding of the many struggles John is challenged with.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses spiritual, religious and biblical diction rather frequently in is novel. In this section specifically John is faced with the challenge of questioning his own religious beliefs and understandings. He knows that not believing in God will be a big disappointment to his family because they are so religious and he was raised to be a Christian. The alone time both John and Elisha had at churched emphasized the meaning of being a Christian and believing in God. When Brother Elisha told John, “you can’t find no greater joy than you find in the service of the lord”(56), he didn’t say anything afterwards which gave Brother Elisha the indication to continue with his lecture and at the end he asked him “can’t you see how the devil tricks people into losing their souls”(57). At this point John replies yes and is forced to sit and ponder about this question because he was “unable to bear his thoughts” (57). I truly believe that he thought that he might have been tricked into losing his soul considering all the sacred thoughts he has and the feeling of discomfort that comes over him when he is at church. Daphanie Bibbs Week: 4
ReplyDeleteBaldwin includes a lot of religious and biblical diction throughout this section of the novel. When John and Elisha were cleaning the church, religious diction took place, because Elisha was trying to explain to John that he knows what it is like to be a young man and all the thoughts going through your mind but don’t go down the wrong path, instead let god come into your life. He says “I mean beautiful girls... I tell them Jesus saved me....aint no woman, nor, no man going to make me change my mind" (Baldwin 50). I think Baldwin uses much religious diction during this conversation between Elisha and John to show that Elisha is a true man of God. John looks up to Elisha as a role model because John believes that Elisha has been saved. John also knows that his father has been saved but does not look up to him because of his action. The religious tone in this section of the books helps us understand John’s and God’s relationship and his daily conflicts he’s facing.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses quite a bit of biblical diction when he introduces Sister McCandles and Sister Price. Throughout their whole conversation with John and Elisha they make biblical references that force the belief of God upon the two. The Sisters say things such as "He said, because you are neither hot or cold I'm going to spit you out my mouth."(p.58) when describing the behavior of the youth in the church and then Sister McCandles says "as a little fault or a big fault. Satan get his foot in the door, he aint going to rest till he's in the room. You is in the Word or you ain't--aint no halfway with God." (p.59) when describing that God does not like any sin. The theme that can be developed from these religious stand points that the Sisters represent are that everyone should fear God and God is not a halfway Man but a Man that you should live your whole life for if you want to go to Heaven. An important thing to point out is Sister Price's view on John proclaiming "The Lord's going to work in a mighty way, you mark my words." (p.57) and "This boy going to make it to the Kingdom before any of them, you wait and see."(p.58. Sister Price's thoughts about John can be thought of as irony or foreshadowing. Ironic because John could give up religion completely as he seems he wants. Baldwin mentions when the Sisters and Elisha starts praising and dancing John react differently "his heart told him that he had no right to sing or rejoice." (p.60) and this could be interpreted as John having a sinful heart or no real love for God. Sister Price's thoughts about John can also be seen as foreshadowing. John by the end of the story may soon be able to fight his demons and live a life for God.
ReplyDeleteJames Baldwin is trying to discuss the inner battle that john is having. After the fight John has with Elisha, John gets a message from God. John reads the legend on the scarlet cloth that reads" Jesus Saves". Shortly after this Elisha asks John "Boy, aint it time you was thinking about your soul?" Then Elisha continues by asking an array of questions. This leads to Elisha explaining that John is naive and curious and that John shouldn't worry about giving his soul to the lord, because once he has done so, he'll find new pleasures in the lord.
ReplyDeleteJames Baldwin uses the language of religion, spirit and bible to emphasis his surrounding and to show the religious side of Baldwin. It is in such description that gives us information of James' other personas as well. For example the desciption walking into the church points the havoac happening outside of it.
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ReplyDeleteBaldwin includes an immense amount of religious diction this segment of “Go Tell It To the Mountain.” During John and Elisha’s conversation inside the church, there is a large amount of religious diction. At this time, John is at a point of confusion of whether to choose the life of God or not. This is when Elisha is trying to allow John to see his place with God. Elisha tries to convince John by telling him that as a man he can be tempted by "beautiful girls”(pg 50) but explains that John is someone saved for God. Elisha is a symbol of a man and follower of God. He attempts to show John that John can also be a man of God. Elisha also mentions of God and how it can save John from the terrible things in the world. I believe Elisha says this to help John see the way of God and the power it has.
Throughout Baldwin's "Go tell it on the Mountain," a variety of biblical & religious content is used within the novel. This set a tone for the novel that feels completely appropriate. Because John struggles with religion so much, this tone is conducive to one's understanding of what he is truly enduring. The main focus of the novel is John's life struggle with his religion. While in church praying, John runs into Elisha and discusses what being saved is. He explains to John that he can not be truly saved if he can't resist the many temptations within life. Members of the church feel that John will be saved but he does not agree. In the bible, the theme of sin as well as salvation occurs. John must learn this in order to fully understand his religious self. Those are also themes in the story that links biblical context with johns life.
ReplyDeleteDuring this section of Baldwin Johns faith in God is tested multiple time such as when he is in the church cleaning up with Elisha and they are talking about how there are going to be temptations in life but being saved is a greater reward than anything else in life he says "'I know it looks harder from the outside, especially when you young. But you believe me, boy, you can't find no greater joy that you fine and the service of the Lord'" (Baldwin 49)as though he can relate to John and knows what kind of things he's going through and reassuring him it will be ok. "I mean beautiful girls, and when you got so much power that they don't tempt you then you know you saved sure enough" (Baldwin 50) Elisha speaks on how women are tempting but in when your saved you ill be able to deal with it all. Which has been a reoccurring issue throughout the novel , Johns over active imagination when it comes to women.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporates so much religious diction in this text through the Tarry Service. At the Tarry Service, John encounters Elisha, Sister Price and Sister McCandless. The four of them have a very holy conversation in the church, quoting scriptures from the bible, speaking of the Lords will and way. They talk about John becoming saved and entering heaven before saved people that don't invest time in church. I think such heavy religious language being in this section serves great symbolism since John is really battling with himself on whether or not to fully commit to the Lord. This language is also very important after the conversation between Gabriel and his sister after Roy gets injured. This conversation is basically how John is feeling. It is his battle with being for the Lord (his dad) and being against the Lord (his aunt).
ReplyDeleteReligion is something that immediately strikes the reader as playing a major role in Baldwin's life. Whether it be the biblical names that many of the characters have or Johns family dynamic itself the reader sees that there's a large spiritual influence on this adolescents life. Baldwin incorporates this language into the text somewhat using small anecdotes. In his story of the Tarry Service he uses great imagery and sensory detail in order to give the reader a feel for what he was experiencing during this time. He describes the church as having "the odor of dust and sweat" (page 51) giving the reader an immediate unpleasant feeling about the church and more or less reflecting John's real feelings about the church.
ReplyDeleteJames Baldwin uses spiritual, religious, and biblical language to express the thoughts and actions of the characters. The effect of this language is to reveal how each character views religion, what it means to them to be saved, and how their religion affects their behavior. They reveal their spiritual beliefs through song and prayer. Although this is Florence’s first visit to the church, she kneels to pray and sings the one song she remembers from her mother. She reveals her spiritual beliefs when she calls on God to banish death. Baldwin uses biblical language to reveal that Florence is facing a deadly illness. Florence remembers the biblical message given to King Hezekiah to “set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live” (61). This message leads her to remember her and Gabriel’s mother. Florence’s relationship with her mother is similar to John’s relationship with his father. Their mother, like Gabriel, was very religious. She firmly believed deliverance was promised to slaves. She compared their lives to the Hebrew children who were held hostage in Egypt and delivered from their oppression by God, who had heard their groans and suffering. She believed slaves only had to endure and trust in God because God is just. Elisha is equally faithful in his religious beliefs. He is a young man in the Lord. He is concerned about John and asks, “ain’t it time you was thinking about your soul” (49). John wrestles with the stronger and bigger Elisha, who has been saved. They have wrestled before and the match is usually over quickly, but this time John wishes to conquer Elisha or at least make the battle a hard win for Elisha. Their wrestling match is a reflection of John’s conflict with religion. He is scornful of the saints, but their religious acts have made an impact on him. He remembers Communion Sunday when the congregation washes each other feet as Christ had commanded His disciples to do. John sees these things and believes in God, but his father’s behavior makes him question his place in the church. He wonders at a minister of God who would strike his mother. Although John has doubts about his place in the church, the Sisters do not. They reveal their expectations of him by stating “he is faithful in little things shall be made chief over many” and “the first shall be last and the last shall be the first” (53). This language suggests John may play a bigger role in the church someday because “the Lord’s going to work with him in a mighty way (52).”
ReplyDeleteThere's much intended biblical, religious, and spiritual diction throughout "Go Tell It On The Mountain". This biblical, biblical, and spiritual diction is incorporated and displayed in the everyday language, thoughts, and mindset of many of the main characters. The characters that are connected to the church express much biblical meaning and symbols within their speech as they communicate with each other so much that it becomes a vernacular within the church environment and its community. For example, When Elisha greets John on page 46, they simply exchange the words "Praise the Lord" with each other rather than simply saying 'hello'. The religious diction is so deep, the thoughts of the youth are affected by the constant biblical diction. John displays this as he describes how his auntie dealt with her grave sins and temptation every night for the past years. "Then she screamed and called on God, turning on the light. And death departed, but she knew he would be back. Every night would bring him a little closer to her bed" (Baldwin 62). However, this diction is used to not only describe the deep religious based thinking of John, but it displays a deeper meaning, leading toward the very things John wants to get away from. During the conversation between John and Elisha, the word "saved" was tossed around often. Even though John know what it means, he wants to reject it as a result of it being religiously related. When Elisha was singing "This may be my last time", John knew exactly what that phrase meant. However, the phrase takes on a literal meaning as if this may be his last time singing or praising God than living. The religious diction is used to describe the very things John wish to reject.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses a great deal of spiritual and biblical diction throughout the novel. He uses this language to help reveal the underlying theme of the story. In this particular section of the novel, John is stuck trying to decide whether he wants to be saved or not. Before this section, John found himself imagining of being a man of the world meaning, being sinful. But in this section he finally thinks about his decision. He turns to Elisha for help and Elisha tells him: "I know it looks harder from the outside, especially when you young. But you believe me, boy, you can't find no greater joy that you find in the service of the Lord" (49). Elisha basically tries to lure or persuade him to becoming saved by using an example he can relate to. The people of the town John grows up in are so hung up in serving the Lord that they know no other things and find anything but serving the Lord evil and not of God. I believe this exact reason is why John wants to break away from the church.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses biblical diction throughout the novel. He uses the biblical diction to correlate to John trying to find peace in religion in faith. John is indecisive on what he believes. He wants to be a faithful christian, but the extreme teachings from his community discourages him. He said "if the Lord blessed, other branches might grow and a mighty work be begun throughout the city and throughout the land." This branch alludes to the tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden. The church started small and progressed. The dialogue used between the church members helps the readers realize how many African American church goers talked in the past. It helps us realize some of the traditions we see in black churches today.
ReplyDeleteI really agree with your point. Baldwin really depicts how indecisive John is between choosing Christianity and not.
DeleteIn this section, Baldwin uses spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout the everyday thoughts and dialogue of his characters. The family is a very church going, church based family so their speech reflects the environment of the church and the actions of the people around John. At this point now, John is confused about himself and is having an internal battle between being saved and living a life of sin. When John and Elisha were in the church and Elisha was trying to convince John to get saved he says, "Boy, aint it bout time you was thinking about your soul?", John didn't know how to respond to Elisha's plea. There is a lot of biblical language used during their conversation and once the sisters come in the language continues with them. I believe Baldwin is just setting us up for something drastic that's going to happen to John later on.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Baldwin's religious diction is used because of his strong religious background. Baldwin spent a many of days within the walls of the church and learned how to allude to many different occasions to make a strong sense. "I mean beautiful girls... I tell them Jesus saved me....ain't no woman, nor, no man going to make me change my mind" (pg 50).This quote shows how he stands firm on his belief that no one can take his salvation away from him. This is important in Baldwin because it brings a stronger meaning.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin incorporates the spiritual, religious, and biblical language into the text through Elisha's talk with John about being saved. This conversation does not only gives John another insight about his peer and his own thoughts, but it also gives the reader a chance to look at John's opinions on which path he should live his life, for God or to fulfill his yearning temptations. For instance, Elisha saids to John, "People say it's hard, but, let me tell you, it ain't as hard as living in this wicked world and all the sadness of the world where there ain't no pleasure nohow," (Baldwin, 50). However, after that conversation I believe John wasn't moved as Elisha thought he was. I think that John wants to know what life is like outside the church. Ithink that John sees himself surrounded by people who puts this "godly" demeanor when he knows there is another life outside the church. For example, when they started singing, John watches Elisha and thinks, "What were the thoughts of Elisha when night came, and he was alone where no eye could see, and no tongue bear witness, save only the trumpetlike tongue God?" (56). Ironically, I think the song the saints were singing combined with John's thought sets up the theme of John leaving the church.
ReplyDeleteIn this section of the novel spiritual diction is constantly being used in most every situation that is presented. The diction is easily incorporated into the novel because it takes place in a realistic setting. The spiritual and religious diction is being used in church scenes and also in a familial setting where the family overall is religious. I believe that the use of this language helps to build a theme of Heaven and Hell, or the difference between life with God and without God. Throughout this section John is continuously faced with questions of whether he wants to be saved or not and what the advantages are of him being saved. Elisha asks John "Boy, ain't it time you was thinking about your soul?" (49). This question brings up a them about spirituality also and burdens of the soul. In a way this section floods John with with the religion around him. He is constantly confronted with it and this is kind of the point where he needs to make a decision of if he really wants to be saved or not. I believe that this section also drives John further away from the church because he does not think much of the people who are in the church and their lives aren't very spectacular.
ReplyDeleteHe incorporates the language of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction into the text by his thoughts, conversations with certain, family and surroundings. One example is that his family is basically based off of their religion, their actions, thoughts, etc is based off of what would God think and the bible. Another example is when John and Elisha had a conversation about his salvation during church.
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ReplyDeleteJames Baldwin speaks in a very spiritual and religious language when John and Elisha engage in a conversation about Jesus. The conversation they have was significant because it open John's eyes to his peers around him and to his own internal thoughts. Also the conversation helps the reader understand John's opinion on how he should live his own life, live a holy lifestyle or live by his temptations. "People say it's hard, but, let me tell you, it isn’t as hard as living in this wicked world and all the sadness of the world where there isn’t no pleasure no how," (Baldwin, 50). Elisha felt like John would change after the conversation, but he didn't. I feel like John likes the church but also he wants to see how life is outside God's house. John tries to surround himself with positive people which is ironic because he wants to experience the life outside the church. While John was in church, the saints began to sing and John started to have thoughts, which lead to him leaving the Church.
In this section of the Go tell it on the Mountain (pp. 44-65) Baldwin really does use a lot of religious diction because he is at the point in the story where he is at a crossroads and doesn't know if he wants to give his life fully over to Christ.An example of this crossroads is when Elisha and John stop fighting and Elisha tries to convince John to give his life over to Christ, but John just argues him down telling him he is not ready for that type of decision. Also by Baldwin using this diction he shows his background in the church but he also shows his lack of acceptance when it comes to religion.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin uses strong spiritual and religious language to show how John truly feels about religion and how confused he is when it comes to his viewpoint on religion. "Boy ain't it time you was thinking about your soul?" "I guess so, John said with a quietness that terrified him. I know it looks hard, said Elisha, from the outside especially when your young. But you believe me boy, you can't find no greater joy than you find in the service of the Lord"(54). Through this quote we can see that John is still at odds and confused about his religion. Through Baldwin's use of religious language we not only see how John feels about his conflict, but readers get a better understanding of the true character of the individuals in the novel.
ReplyDeleteIn this section of the novel "Go Tell it On the Mountain" (pp. 44-65) John is at a crossroads between giving his life up to Christ. John argues with Elisha that he is not ready for Christianity and giving his life over to Christ. Baldwin also shows how John is very indecisive when it comes to religion. John also begins to show a bit of homo-sexual tendencies as Baldwin stated he watched kids use the restroom.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin’s word choices and language is similar to that of biblical writing. Even the way he describes simple acts has an elevated feeling when the reader reads it: “And the Lord, as He promised to the two or three first gathered together, sent other; and these brought others and created a church.” Simply put, people came to the church and more came for mass. The way Baldwin writes this story makes his tale more spiritual. As Dr. Thomas Foster, a professor at University of Michigan-Flint would describe in his book How to Read Literature Like a Professor, John is the Christ figure in this tale, and his decisions will make the story a more impactful tale to the audience. Baldwin, in the spirit of making John’s story more important than it actually is, the biblical style of writing and word choice linguistically makes his journey a true spiritual journey to the audience.
ReplyDeleteThroughout these pages James Baldwin shows us that religion plays a strong role in the entire community and not just within John's household. For example, while helping John set up the church for service Elisha gives a sort of mini sermon to John. " I been on my knees many a time, weeping and wrestling before the Lord--crying, Johnny--and calling on Jesus' name. That's the only name that got power over Satan...Do you want to be saved Johnny?"(Baldwin 55)
ReplyDeleteBaldwin shows a lot of spiritual, religious, and biblical diction throughout this portion of the book. He shows it in the items in which he explains in the church and also in the sins of others. John is having troubles with having a life decision. He wants to fulfill the others expectation of him by belonging to the church, but he also wants to live the way he wants out of sin.
ReplyDeleteIn this section of the book, James Baldwin puts emphasis on John's spiritual confusion and his "quest" to become just like Gabriel by using religious jargon. He does this by referencing the bible as well as the characters its stories. During the scene where Elisha and John are cleaning the church, Elisha acts as John's missionary. While they are cleaning, Elisha says " You got to remember that you think about it with a carnal mind. You still got Adam's mind and you keep thinking about your friends..." (57). By saying this the author is telling the reader that Elisha care deeply for John and wants to make sure that he becomes saved as well. Elisha wants to act as a role model for John by warning him about the temptations that he might encounter at school. He tells John "Some of them is real nice girls, I mean beautiful girls and when you got so much power they don't tempt you... I just look at them and I tell them that Jesus saved me one day and I'm going to go all the way with Him" (58). This is great that Elisha informs John about this because he has been through the temptations and knows that John is trying to figure out who he is sexually. The lesson that the author was trying to reach was that you have to trust in the Lord and follow his ways. By doing this it will prevent you from temptation.
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