Essay About Johns Lack And Johns Father

Go Tell It on the Mountain
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Go Tell It On The Mountain
In James Baldwins 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 Johns lack of free imagination stems from three major
struggles. These major struggles are “Father verses Son.” Holiness verses Sin,”
and “Racism.”
Johns father, Gabriel is the source of their conflict. Gabriels 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. Johns 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 fathers fathers. He would have another life” (page 19 part one:
the seventh day). It doesnt seem natural for a servant of God to display hatred,