Identity motif (“The Discovery of What it means To be An American”)
Identity has an unqualified credence on American writing. James Baldwin observes, “American writers do not have a fixed society to describe. The only society they know is one in which nothing is fixed and in which individuals must fight for their identity.” As a result of the mystification that is inherent in the dynamic pf American society, American writers set about their writing based on the day-to-day chaos in America.
Cats (“The Black Boy Looks at the White Boy”)
Baldwin refers to himself and Norman as “Two lean cats, one white and one black.” The white cat denotes to Norman whereas the black cat refers to James Baldwin. The metaphor of the cats suits them because they are sly. James Baldwin highlights the mutuality of the slyness when he writes, “We liked each other at once, but each was frightened that the other would pull rank.” Accordingly, they approach their relationship with a shrewd mind-set.
Old lion and cub (“The Black Boy Looks at the White Boy”)
James Baldwin writes about “Norman playing the role of the old lion. And Norman playing the role of the powerful but clumsy cub.” The old lion is symbolic of a commanding interpreter who decides whether a writer’s work will be translated into French or not. The clumsy cub is representative of the less authoritative rank that the writers occupy in the writing world; the spot leaves them at the interpreters’ mercy.
Jewel (“The Black Boy Looks at the White Boy”)
Jewel is representative of optimism which permits writers to steer clear of despair especially when they dreams are not materializing. Through optimism the writers/ artists get the prospect of reinventing themselves and to put together enthralling works.
