Point of View On Freedom In James Baldwin’s Stories

Everyone has the right to be free to do what they want comfortably without being restricted. Freedom is felt by various characters in many different ways. By looking at A Letter to My Nephew, Sonny’s Blue, and The Tempest, I argue that literature showcases the universal nature of freedom. This means that freedom is something that is desired by everyone, no matter their race or position of power. This is exhibited when Sonny craves for freedom, Baldwin argues for freedom, and Ariel asks to be freed to his master.

First, James Baldwin demonstrates his view about freedom in the non-fiction ‘ A Letter to My Nephew ‘ published on 1 January 1962. This was shown when he wrote: ‘You were not expected to aspire to excellence. You were expected to make peace with mediocrity”.( Baldwin ). Comparing the analogy of normal human values to express the influence of freedom. The author uses the verb ‘expected’ to demonstrate the desire for freedom. Instead of accepting the sacrifice, he wants to stand up for the fight for equal rights and freedom for himself and his fellow human being.

The simple desire to have ‘peace’ in society demonstrates that there is no need for overly complicate things, just basic freedom. Moreover, the author emphasizes freedom when he says: ‘They are trapped in a history which they do not understand until they understand it, they cannot be released from it’. ( Baldwin). Caucasians need freedom from racist thoughts. By contrast, African-Americans need freedom from oppression. Because they are “trapped” in society, they cannot find a way out to do what they like. By switching from the negative word “don’t understand” to the positive word “understand”, the author emphasizes the importance of freedom from the hardship they have endured. No matter what position you are in, what time in history, everyone desires freedom. This is just one of many examples of the universal nature of freedom throughout these texts.

Second of all, Sonny illustrates his freedom throughout the story “Sonny’s Blues”. Sonny’s opinion about freedom is represented when he says towards his brother: “I think people ought to do what they want to do, what else are they alive for?”. ( Baldwin ). The use of the modal verb “ought” clearly signifies that everyone should have equal rights to freedom. If they are free, they will be able to get what they deserve. Besides, he asks for others by using the adjective “alive” to discuss the freedom in society.

To find out what people want, they need to understand the freedom of every human’s consciousness. In addition, when his brother asks him why he wants to join the army, he responds: ‘To get out of Harlem’. ( Balwin ). He is aware that staying there will bring many troubles. He also understands that the only way to gain independence is to struggle for life. The strong verb ‘get out’ shows that he is extremely eager to be free. By gaining independence, he can reach all of his dreams. As a prisoner, he always has the ambition towards freedom. Sonny is not the only character who desires to be free. Later, his freedom will spread all the rest of his life.

Lastly, freedom is displayed in the drama “ The Tempest” throughout Prospero and Ariel. This is shown when Ariel asks Prospero for his freedom:

“ I prithee,

Remember I have done thee worthy service,

Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, served

Without or grudge or grumblings. Thou didst promise

To bate me a full year“. ( Shakespeare, Act1.2 ).

As the servant, he had a miserable life by serving Prospero on the island. His jobs are described as ‘ no lies, no mistakings’. These actions mean that Ariel works hard for his master. He promised to serve his master with respect and loyalty. On the other hands, he reminds Prospero to keep his word that he will let him free. He suffered all the pain to claim his freedom. The verb ‘ bate’ indicates the highest level of certainty. He should be serving Prospero but is asked to be free which proves the fact that he only wants to get back his own power to be free. Furthermore, Prospero also reveals his freedom by letting everyone free. At the end of the Act 5 Epilogue, Prospero expresses his last need by himself:

“ Unless I be relieved by prayer,

Which pierces so that it assaults

Mercy itself and frees all faults.

As you from crimes would pardoned be,

Let your indulgence set me free”. ( Shakespeare, Act 5 Epilogue ).

It is not necessary to distinguish between master or slave, everyone should be granted freedom. Even though he is a king and has l the full power to control the island, but he still needs to release himself. His wish is illustrated while ending all things in exchange for freedom. He demanded forgiveness so that he feels free. The use of the adverb ‘let your indulgence’ displays that he will give up everything he has to forgive. Also, the use of the adverb ‘set me free’ strongly determines what he needs in the ned is freedom in his soul. He had to sacrifice to be free without thinking about betrayal. He relinquished his burden and found his own independence. Whoever is free, freedom still brings the most comfort and safety.

To conclude, everyone deserves freedom. By looking at A Letter to My Nephew, Sonny’s Blue, and The Tempest, I argue that literature showcases the universal nature of freedom. I learn that everyone has a different life choice; it depends on your place. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated equally no matter what is your background.