Chapter 4 - To Her

In this episode Aldo and Professor Roberts examine the poem To Her.  In speaking about this poem, the duo could not help but to revert back to a previous work, Paradise, and see similarities in their origins 

Professor Roberts eludes to the three critical stages of Baldwin’s literary career, and how the poem, To Her, has a link to one of those stages.  Professor Roberts also argues that this poem may speak to the notion of a young boy who was trying to perform a certain type of masculine identity as it pertains to his upbringing.   The notion of the Magpie as being young Baldwin’s literary laboratory is also discussed.

To Her is read by Elena from 3B

Episode References:
Jimmy's Blues
Countee Cullen

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