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Essay / Essay on Flashbacks, Third-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 Another Country's exposition is presented through flashbacks. Baldwin uses the third-person omniscient point of view to recount his characters' personal thoughts and develop the characters. Finally, Baldwin intensifies the rage and anger through his unusually harsh diction. Very often, Baldwin oversteps the traditional bonds of appropriate language. Although his diction is not attractive, it is both strong and effective. Such words arouse emotions in all readers. “You took the best, why not take the rest?” ” is Another Country’s opening statement. Readers begin the novel with the description of a man who has sunk to a lower position in life. This man went from being a prominent jazz musician to becoming a street bum. Her hair is not combed; his body is impure. He went from a very public position to a place where he is hiding from family, friends and the 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 gives......middle of paper......the novel. Through harsh language, Baldwin intensifies anger. One such example is this passage: “I will return,” he (Vivaldo) said. “No, you won’t,” Rufus said. “I will kill you if you come back” (58). This passage expresses great rage when placed in context. Rufus talks to his only true friend. His comments are abrasive and sometimes abusive. Baldwin's diction represents the anger of his characters and his times. Another Country is written in an intense narrative style. James Baldwin uses the techniques of flashback narration, omniscient point of view and harsh language to increase the power of his novel..
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