Transcending the ‘Immanent Frame’: James Baldwin’s Another Country and Inclusive Humanism

Abstract

The question of transcending the material self and freeing the being from its surrounding influences has always embroiled humanity in an unsurmountable duel. But, the perceptible impossibility of developing an ability to transcend reflexive obedience to the laws of nature has also fascinated researchers for long. The very nature of this apparent impossibility can be traced to the ingrained conventions of human cultural practices, the reluctance to interrogate standards, and the inexplicable insularity. By analysing the belief in a transcendent reality, and the possibility of personal transformation through community engagement projected in James Baldwin’s Another Country, I contend that these facets of the novel can help us comprehend the axiological significance of the inclusive humanism contained in it. Baldwin has been particularly critical of existentialist notions of alienation, angst and nothingness. He values individuality but sees social redemption as coming through replacing individuality with concern for and engagement with others.