On the surface Baldwin’s novel appears to be about sexuality, but the novel tackles a deeper issue. Baldwin takes a stance on finding oneself whether that be thought others or in moments of solitude. Geovanni is able to show David who he wants to become as well as warn him of what he could be. David faces an internal conflict discovering who he is independently from the people that surround him. The novel is less about sexuality and more about self-discovery. As a culture, there are many ways people can discover themselves; however, there are many ways people can be manipulated to act like those around them. David experiences this first hand as he navigates his self-image while noticing the images of those around him. The reader is taken through
