

"My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation" is addressed to Baldwin's nephew and namesake, James. This study guide further divides "Down at the Cross," separating it into five individual segments for the purpose of summary and analysis. The original latter essay is divided by two section breaks into three distinct parts. "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind" relates Baldwin's thoughts on the role of religion in the civil rights movement.

"My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation" is Baldwin's message to his namesake about the importance of love in the quest for racial equality.
