Essay on Flashbacks, Thrid Person Narration, and Harsh Language in Anot

Use of Flashbacks, Thrid Person Narration, and Harsh Language in Another Country James Baldwin's novel, Another Country , is enhanced by Baldwin's unique narrative style. The majority of the exposition of Another Country is presented through flashbacks. Baldwin uses the third person omniscient point of view to narrate his characters' personal thoughts and develop the characters. Lastly, Baldwin intensifies the rage and anger through his uncommonly harsh diction. Quite often Baldwin oversteps the traditional bonds of appropriate language. Although his diction is not appealing, it is both strong and effective. Such words evoke emotions in all readers. "You took the best, why not take the rest?" is the opening statement of Another Country. Readers begin the novel with the description of a man who has sunk to a low position in life. This man has fallen from his position as a prominent jazz musician to the lowest of street bums. His hair is uncombed; his body is unclean. He has descended from a very public position to a place where he hides from family, friends and police. And finally, in desperation, this man sells his body to another man for food and drink. All this action takes place in two pages. It is at the bottom of the second page that Baldwin give... ...the novel. Through harsh language Baldwin intensifies the anger. One such example is this passage: "I'll be back," he (Vivaldo) said. "No, you won't," said Rufus. "I'll kill you if you come back" (58). This passage expresses great rage when it is placed in context. Rufus is talking to his one true friend. His words are abrasive and at times abusive. Baldwin's diction represents the anger of his characters and his time. Another Country is written in an intense narrative style. James Baldwin utilizes the techniques of flashback narration, omniscient point of view and harsh language to increase the power of his novel.