A Critical Analysis of the Novel Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin Go Tell It on the Mountain is a novel written by James

Baldwin and it witnessed its publication in 1953. Narrative Technique: The novel can be divided into five sections. Each section brings out the past experiences of each character. First and fifth sections deal with the past and present experiences of John. Second section probes into the psyche of Florence. Third section brings into limelight the many shades of darkness inherent in Gabriels personality. Fourth section describes the past experiences of Elizabeth and the deep sense of guilt which has settled in her mind. By using the omniscient narrator, Baldwin is able to give an accurate and complete description of the lives of his characters. The reader is shown their emotions, actions, and reactions and is therefore able to understand their personalities. Although individual characters may interpret and react to the same situation in different ways according to their own preconceptions and prejudices, the reader is given the opportunity to see events as they actually happened. The narration is not linear. It moves back and forth from clock time to conscious time and again to clock time. Memory exercises a powerful influence over narration.

AUTO-BIOGRAPHICAL ELEMENT: Johns life stands as a testimony to the life of the author himself. John and Baldwin become the victims of identity crisis because of their inability to recognise their biological fathers. Both Baldwin and John try to escape the isolation by way of expressing zeal in acquiring modern education.

 Both Baldwin and John are expected to be good role models for their respective siblings. THEMES: Family conflicts: Conflicts among the members of the family. Many personal conflicts within the psyche of family members. Everyone fights with their own past. Racism: This novel offers an insight into the effects of slavery and the migration of African Americans from the South to cities in the North (Chicago and New York). With the older generation (Florence, Gabriel and Elizabeth in particular), their unhappiness and alienation from the wider white-dominated society is translated into bitterness and destructive behaviour. John's battle with Gabriel is indicative of an antagonistic father-son relationship, and it is also representative of the divisive influence of racism as Gabriel's impotency outside of the home is avenged on his family. Memory: Memory becomes an important theme in this novel. Each character goes back to his/her past and one finds Memory haunting the Grimes family throughout the novel.

Feminism: Patriarchy is subjected to severe criticism. The biased way of her Florences mother having treated Gabriel when he was young is brought out in Part two of the novel: Florences Prayer.