Notes Of A Native Son

Worksheet Description

This High School Literary Nonfiction Comprehension worksheet guides students through James Baldwin’s impactful essay, “Notes of A Native Son.” By reading this essay, students are encouraged to explore the nuances of literary nonfiction while engaging with the complex issues of racism and identity in the United States.

The worksheet begins by prompting students to identify the overarching theme of the essay and its main ideas. They are then guided to understand how Baldwin intimately relates these ideas to his personal experiences, recognizing the intersection of fact and narrative in his writing.

Students will also analyze a specific example of “literary” language used by Baldwin, exploring why it is considered as such and how it contributes to the essay’s impact.

Lastly, the worksheet encourages students to consider the broader context of the essay and the role it played in shaping the discourse surrounding racism in the U.S. at the time, fostering critical thinking and literary analysis skills.