* It's Primarily a Collection of Essays: While rooted in Baldwin's own experiences, the work is structured as a series of essays, each focusing on a specific theme or event.
* Personal Reflection and Interpretation: Though rooted in reality, Baldwin uses his personal experiences as a springboard for broader reflections on racism, identity, and societal issues. He employs literary devices like symbolism, metaphor, and vivid imagery to convey his ideas, moving beyond a straightforward recounting of events.
* Focus on Emotion and Theme: While factual elements are present, the primary focus is on Baldwin's emotional responses and the exploration of complex themes, rather than objective reporting.
Here's where the line blurs:
* Autobiographical Basis: The essays draw heavily on Baldwin's life, making them deeply personal and rooted in his reality. This shared experience can create a sense of authenticity often associated with literary nonfiction.
* Social Commentary: Baldwin's writing is deeply engaged with the social realities of his time, particularly the struggle for racial equality in the United States. This focus on social commentary can be seen as a characteristic of literary nonfiction, as it seeks to shed light on important societal issues.
Ultimately, "Notes of a Native Son" occupies a space between essayistic literary expression and autobiographical reflection. It uses personal experience to explore broader themes, making it a powerful piece of literature, but not necessarily aligning perfectly with the strict definition of literary nonfiction.