Notes of a Native Son

by

James Baldwin

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American Tourist Character Analysis

The American tourist is an unnamed man Baldwin meets twice in New York who then calls up Baldwin when he arrives in Paris. Baldwin and the tourist do not get along very well, but Baldwin still agrees to help the tourist get a room in his hotel. The tourist implicates Baldwin in stealing sheets from his former hotel, leading both of them to spend over a week in prison.
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American Tourist Character Timeline in Notes of a Native Son

The timeline below shows where the character American Tourist appears in Notes of a Native Son. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Equal in Paris
Language, Narrative, and Truth Theme Icon
Prejudice, Dishonesty, and Delusion Theme Icon
Intimacy vs. Hatred Theme Icon
...time in Paris, Baldwin is arrested for receiving stolen goods. This happens thanks to an American tourist Baldwin had met twice in New York. Baldwin is living in a “ludicrously grim” hotel,... (full context)
Language, Narrative, and Truth Theme Icon
Prejudice, Dishonesty, and Delusion Theme Icon
...of 19th December, Baldwin is sitting alone in his room and decides to visit the American tourist . He finds two French policemen in the American’s room; he doesn’t understand their conversation... (full context)
Language, Narrative, and Truth Theme Icon
Prejudice, Dishonesty, and Delusion Theme Icon
...taken. He is then driven to a prison called Fresnes, 12km outside of Paris. The American tourist is sent to another prison, and as soon as he is gone Baldwin misses him,... (full context)