Chapter 3 - Paradise

In this episode we examine the poem "Paradise," published in the winter of 1941.  Professor Roberts sees the poem "Paradise" as laden with the influences of Countee Cullen, who is a poet of the Harlem Renaissance, Baldwin’s former middle school teacher, a Clinton graduate, and was once an editor for The Magpie.  Professor Roberts also argues that "Paradise" can be considered as having elements of romanticism and explains to us why.    Aldo discusses the usage of the word paradise through the juxtaposition of mental health struggles.   The both of them also discuss the poem's religious assertions and evocations. 

Paradise is read by Elena from 3B

Episode References:
Larry Doby
Romanticism
Post Structuralist Literary Theory
Phylis Wheatley

Further Reading:
Books by James Baldwin
The Furious Passage of James Baldwin by Fern M. Eckman
James Baldwin: A Biography  by David Leeming
Talking At The Gates: by James Campbell
Begin Again by Eddie Glaude, Jr.
Baldwin's Harlem by Herb Boyd
James Baldwin: Artist on Fire by W.J. Weatherby
James Baldwin: Living in Fire by Bill V. Mullen
The Castle on the Parkway by G. Pelisson and J.  Garvey 

Finding James Baldwin on Instagram
Finding James Baldwin Youtube

Learn more about Dr. Frank Leon Roberts at Amherst.edu

More podcasts by Aldo B. Martin:
The Reclamation
The Fatherhood Project
YALD. The Podcast
Jammin' on the One
So...Tell Me About Your Podcast

Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years Podcast is
Researched by Dr. Frank Leon Roberts and Aldo B. Martin
Performed by Elena from 3B and Tina E.
Edited by Aldo B. Martin
Produced by Aldo B. Martin