The Fire Next Time Figurative Language Essay

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Recommended: Figurative language in a literary work

In the book “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin, there are many instances in which he uses figurative language to get his point across. This book was Baldwin's reaction to the social and racial shamefulness he saw in America. The use of figurative language allows for a more vivid picture for the audience to visualize in their minds and grasp. Many times Baldwin uses figurative language to create a picture of a concept or opinion of his and instill what he believes it looks or feels like into it. Throughout the writing the author superbly distinguishes that love, not fear, converges a society. The book includes two essays, “My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation” and “Down at the Cross: …show more content…

Baldwin used symbolism to identify examples of his propositions. The symbols further examined his point and drew a better image of the stereotypes that he covered. In the book Baldwin used policemen to prove his point on the stereotypes of black people and how they are seen. “But the policemen were doing nothing now. Obviously, this was not because they had become more human but because they were under orders and because they were afraid.” The previous quote is the example of a symbol using policemen. It portrays that the stereotype of black people affects the thought process of the policemen and interferes with the way that they carry out their duties. This example of figurative language excellently grasps the stereotype of black people and how they look to the outside world. In conclusion, The Fire Next Time is a great depiction of the society and stereotypes of blacks and whites. James Baldwin incorporates a plentiful amount of figurative language to prove his point and compose an image for the reader to visualize. Not only does the text include figurative language but it also includes real life experiences and encounters of things that Baldwin has seen. The novel was Baldwin’s counteraction to the different types of shamefulness he’s faced in America personally. Furthermore, that is why he can appropriate and embody the different characteristics and blend them into the

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