Baldwin’s essay entitled “Fifth Avenue, Uptown” focuses on the physical and mental state of poverty, displayed in the Harlem neighborhood in which he grew up. Is it possible to be poor mentally as well as physically? It is indeed possible to be in a “poor state of mind” in addition to living poorly. Baldwin mentioned there were are in his old neighborhood that had been “rehabilitated”. However, there were areas that appeared the same as when he grew up there in the early 1900’s. There were also people; such as the neighborhood shoe repairmen, who were still there sadly going about the same daily routine that he’s witnessed since childhood. These are a couple of reasons why I feel that Baldwin’s main idea is the physical and mental state of poverty on Fifth Avenue, Uptown Harlem.

The intended audience for this writing would be a general audience, particularly ones unfamiliar with what it is like being an African American growing up in a poverty stricken ghetto. His descriptions are so profound and detailed, that it seems as if he is painting a picture for people who may not have ever witnessed such things. This is why I feel the intended audience is those who can be enlightened by his …show more content…
One being: “These two, I imagine, could tell a long tale if they would (perhaps they would be glad to if they could), having watched so many, for so long, struggling in the fishhooks, the barbed wire, of this avenue.” Meaning, the two people mentioned have witnessed so much over the years and would probably share their stories if they could remember them. A second is: “They patiently browbeat the landlord into fixing the heat, the plaster, the plumbing; this demands prodigious patience; nor is patience usually enough.” Meaning, the residents have to be patient, aggressive and stern with their landlord in order to have them fix needed repairs. However, being patient isn’t usually enough to make them get it