The Wanderer by James Baldwin (1953)
The novel revolves around a young black man who returns to his hometown after serving time in prison for manslaughter. He struggles with the moral implications of his actions and grapples with the societal expectations placed upon him. The story explores themes of identity, community, and redemption as he navigates his relationships with family members, friends, and former acquaintances.
By James Baldwin · First published 1953 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Philosophical · 176 words
First lines
Upon a mountain height far from the sea I found a shell, And to my listening ear the lonely thing Ever a song of ocean seemed to sing, Ever a tale of ocean seemed to tell.
How came the shell upon that mountain height? Ah, who can say? Whether there dropped by some too careless hand Or whether there cast when Ocean left the Land Ere the Eternal had ordained the Day.
Strange, was it not? Far from its native deep One song it sang, -- Sang of the awful mysteries of the tide, Sang of the misty sea, profound and wide, -- Ever with echoes of the ocean rang.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wanderer is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Baldwin, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Baldwin
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Philosophical, Reflective
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- On The Mountain by James Baldwin
- The Brook by James Baldwin
- At Old Cheirons School by James Baldwin
- Going To Sea by James Baldwin
- Maidens At Confirmation by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Charioteer by Hilda Doolittle
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Nature — The imagery and themes revolve around natural elements like the ocean and mountains.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential questions about origins and belonging.
- Reflective — The narrative voice reflects on personal feelings of longing and connection to home.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Identity · Racism · Alienation · Loneliness · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological insight · Social commentary · American literature · 20th-century literature · Autobiographical elements