Blues for Mister Charlie

Blues for Mister Charlie is James Baldwin's second play. It was published in 1964. It is dedicated to the memory of Medgar Evers, and his widow and his children, and to the memory of the dead children of Birmingham."

Plot introduction

In the aftermath of Richard Henry's murder, Lyle's trial gives way to a reflection upon racism in America.

Title explanation

'Mister Charlie' is a phrase used by African Americans to refer to the white man.

Characters

• Rev. Meridian Henry, a pastor in an African American church in a small town in the South.
• Richard Henry, the pastor's son, killed by Lyle.
• Lyle, a redneck who kills Richard Henry.
• Parnell, a white man.

References