Notes of a Native Son

I thought this essay was very sad. The bitter, yet strong ways of his father made him a memorable character, which made this a tearjerker for me. It was overwhelmingly sad to have to "celebrate" his birthday and recieve a newcomer into the family; while losing a loved one all at the same time. I think that the fact of his father's passing while another riot was going on made the author feel as though he regretted not talking to his father as much. Considering most of his father's built up paranoia was due to racial conflicts such as the riot. I feel that his father's sickness made him change any hate he had in his heart. It was healthy for him to take a new positive outlook on life. Baldwin made peace of his father's memory by covering his pain and forcing good memories in his thoughts. He even reconsiders his interpretation of a verse in the bible that he and his dad disagreed on. I feel like his father was so full of stubborn pride that he just wouldn't allow himself to be seen as agreeing with someone. When the riots occurred Baldwin understood the fury and smashing in the streets, as a native of Harlem, whom had seen and felt all of the mistreatment. I was surprised that he didn't add to the mess.