The Bomb by James Baldwin (1955)
The novel explores the complexities of racial identity and the struggle for civil rights in America during the 1960s. It follows a young boy's journey to self-discovery and his confrontation with the harsh realities of racism. The story takes place in Harlem, where the protagonist grapples with the tension between his African American heritage and his desire to assimilate into white culture.
By James Baldwin · First published 1955 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War, Adventure · 204 words
First lines
Did you ever hear of King Charles the Twelfth, of Sweden? He lived two hundred years ago, and was famous for his courage in defending his country.
One day he was in the midst of a great battle. The small house in which he had taken shelter was almost between the two armies.
He called to one of his officers and bade him sit down and write a short order for him.
The officer began to write, but just as he finished the first word, a bomb came through the roof of the house and struck the floor close by him. He dropped the pen and sprang to his feet. He was pale with fear. "What is the matter? " asked the king.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bomb is listed on Textopian as an essay by James Baldwin, dated 1955 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: James Baldwin
- Date: 1955 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Adventure, Biography, Drama
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bomb by James Baldwin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bomb?
- How does this essay by James Baldwin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Heroes In Strange Garb by James Baldwin
- The Children Of Prometheus by James Baldwin
- A Hazard Of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells
- The Inevitable White Man by Jack London
- A Curious Experience by Mark Twain
- Shepherds Of The Wild by Edison Marshall
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, focusing on King Charles the Twelfth of Sweden and his actions during a battle.
- War — The story revolves around a battle scene, highlighting themes of courage and duty in wartime.
- Adventure — The plot involves action and tension, with the king's calm demeanor in the face of danger adding an adventurous element.
- Biography — The story provides a glimpse into the life and character of a historical figure, King Charles the Twelfth.
Tags
Nuclear War · American Literature · Social Commentary · Historical Fiction · Dystopian · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological Insight · Cultural Criticism · Racial Tensions · Civil Rights Movement · Cold War Era