In If Beale Street Could Talk, James Baldwin uses an array of literary devices to convey the themes in his novel. One key literary device that he uses is dialogue. The conversations between the characters communicate the points that Baldwin wants to get across.

The theme of racial injustice is emphasized when the cop calls Fonny “boy” multiple times. The theme of resistance in the face of racial injustice is then addressed through dialogue. Tish tells the officer, “He’s not a boy.” The Italian woman who runs the store confronts the officer as well. She vouches for Tish and Fonny. “I know both of these young people,” she tells the cop.

Dialogue also helps develops the religious themes of the novel. Based on the unfriendly conversations between Fonny’s mom and Tish’s family, it’s possible to conclude that Baldwin is trying to say something about how some religious people can sometimes act unmercifully.

Two other primary themes in the novel are love and loyalty. Tish and Fonny love one another. Their love entails devotion. Even though Fonny is in jail, Tish remains dedicated to him and to proving his innocence.

One literary device that Baldwin employs to illustrate the depth of their love is flashback. Through Tish, Baldwin takes the reader back in time. Tish says that she first met Fonny in the streets when she was little. She discusses the fight that caused her to “notice” him and how their relationship blossomed into a romantic connection. Through these journeys back in time, Baldwin brings out the theme of childhood sweethearts and perhaps even true love.