A Quest for Negritude

The Notebook of a Return to the Native Land is a work of immense cultural significance. However, the difficulty to understand the language uses by Césaire in this great masterpiece causes many to question the true recipient of this work. I agree that Césaire makes usage of a knotty language in the Notebook, but I will also argue that he addresses it to everyone in the black community. I argue for this view point because I believe the difficult language symbolizes the challenge of the quest for negritude. The quest for negritude is not a simple adventure. It is difficult in all aspects of life. One word is not enough to explain it. It takes a whole set of structure, of style, and of vocabularies to express the deepest level of this challenge. I do not think that Césaire uses this kind of style and vocabulary accidentally. The difficult language is used purposefully. It is Cesaire’s way to say, “Be ready for a challenge.” One who is after his negritude has to travel deep into the African continent. He must be in the relearning mode. He has to relearn the African’s true history. He has to relearn to take proud in the civilization of his African ancestors. And most importantly, he has to relearn the custom of the people that he has been separated from for centuries. The whole process requires patience. Therefore, Césaire manipulates language in order to symbolize the level of patience that one will need to make the quest.