Hi my homework says pick a specific moment in James Baldwins "Go tell it on the mountain" where race becomes an obstacle in a characters attempt to search for identity. Can you please provide me with an example? I read the book I just don't know what to choose. thanks

Of course! In James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain," there are multiple moments where race becomes an obstacle for characters' search for identity. One specific moment that highlights this theme occurs in Chapter 2, when John Grimes, the main character, is attending the Seventh Day Pentecostal Church.

During the church service, John experiences a disheartening realization about his identity and his place in society. As an African American boy from a religious family, John becomes deeply aware of the racial divide that exists within the church congregation. While he watches the white members of the church worship freely, he notices the stark contrast in treatment towards the Black members. They are segregated into a separate section at the back of the church, and their worship is restrained and limited compared to their white counterparts.

This moment symbolizes the racial barriers that John encounters as he tries to explore his identity and spirituality. The discrimination within the church restrains his ability to freely express himself and fully engage in worship, causing him to question his worth and sense of belonging. Through this experience, Baldwin effectively depicts the racial obstacles that hinder John's search for identity.

To further explore this moment, you can analyze Baldwin's use of imagery, language, and symbolism in detailing John's observations and the impact they have on his search for identity. Additionally, you can discuss the historical context of racial segregation during the time the novel is set, which adds depth to the obstacles faced by the characters.

Remember, it's important to provide evidence from the text and analyze it in your own words to support your chosen moment and its significance in highlighting race as an obstacle in the characters' search for identity.