The Whistle

"The Whistle" is a posthumously published work by James Baldwin that captures the author's profound insights on race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships in America. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, Baldwin weaves together personal narratives and social commentary, reflecting his experiences as a Black man navigating a society marked by discrimination and oppression. The book addresses themes of love, alienation, and the quest for authenticity, showcasing Baldwin's eloquent prose and deep empathy for the human condition. Through his exploration of these issues, "The Whistle" serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

• Short story

								
Two hundred years ago there lived in Boston a little boy whose name
was Benjamin Franklin.

On the day that he was seven years old, his mother gave him a few
pennies.

He looked at the bright, yellow pieces and said, "What shall I do with
these coppers, mother?"

It was the first money that he had ever had.

"You may buy something, if you wish," said his mother.

"And then will you give me more?" he asked.

His mother shook her head and said: "No, Benjamin. I cannot give you
any more. So you must be careful not to spend these foolishly."

The little fellow ran into the street. He heard the pennies jingle in
his pocket. How rich he was!

Boston is now a great city, but at that time it was only a little town.
There were not many stores.

As Benjamin ran down the street, he wondered what he should buy. Should
he buy candy? He hardly knew how it tasted. Should he buy a pretty
toy? If he had been the only child in the family, things might have
been different. But there were fourteen boys and girls older than he,
and two little sisters who were younger.

What a big family it was! And the father was a poor man. No wonder the
lad had never owned a toy.

He had not gone far when he met a larger boy, who was blowing a
whistle.

"I wish I had that whistle," he said.

The big boy looked at him and blew it again. Oh, what a pretty sound
it made!

"I have some pennies," said Benjamin. He held them in his hand, and
showed them to the boy. "You may have them, if you will give me the
whistle." "All of them?"

"Yes, all of them."

"Well, it's a bargain," said the boy; and he gave the whistle to
Benjamin, and took the pennies.

Little Benjamin Franklin was very happy; for he was only seven years
old. He ran home as fast as he could, blowing the whistle as he ran.

"See, mother," he said, "I have bought a whistle."

"How much did you pay for it?"

"All the pennies you gave me."

"Oh, Benjamin!"

One of his brothers asked to see the whistle.

"Well, well!" he said. "You've paid a dear price for this thing. It's
only a penny whistle, and a poor one at that."

"You might have bought half a dozen such whistles with the money I
gave you," said his mother.

The little boy saw what a mistake he had made. The whistle did not
please him any more. He threw it upon the floor and began to cry.

"Never mind, my child," said his mother, very kindly. "You are only
a very little boy, and you will learn a great deal as you grow bigger.
The lesson you have learned to-day is never to pay too dear for a
whistle." Benjamin Franklin lived to be a very old man, but he never
forgot that lesson.

Every boy and girl should remember the name of Benjamin Franklin. He
was a great thinker and a great doer, and with Washington he helped
to make our country free. His life was such that no man could ever
say, "Ben Franklin has wronged me."
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