Native Son- Critical Analysis
Jazmin Vera
3/28/2012
AML-4607
Professor Heather Russell
Racism and the Oppressed Black Man—Bigger Thomas In 20th Century African-American Literature, the students were instructed to write a critical analysis on one of five texts reviewed throughout the course. This paper will provide an analytical approach on the concept of race and identity as reflected in, Richard Wright’s, Native Son. Bigger Thomas’ instinct for survival plays a key role for the reasons behind his actions in this novel. Was it mere survival instinct that jolted Bigger to murder? Or did he, as he mentioned— “kill for something”? Whether the instinct was survival or “for something”, Bigger was driven to murder and showed little regret for his actions. Author Richard Wright, provides a fictional account of a young black man, Bigger Thomas, born and raised in poverty. As the protagonist of Native Son, the reader is enthralled by the struggles faced by Thomas as a result of his horrid choices. The nature of his environment facilitated his rebellious behavior and an ill-fated circumstance with a wealthy white woman, led to his ultimate demise. By the mere age of twenty, Thomas’ life revolved around petty crimes and acts of illicit behavior. His job as a chauffeur for a wealthy family introduced him to Mary Dalton, his first victim. Dalton’s inappropriate behavior, for example her interrogation of Bigger’s life style, contributed to his apprehension and agitation, which later ignited his fatal act. Following a rowdy night of drinking and sexual tension between Thomas and Ms. Dalton, they both ended up in an unpredictable, yet highly compromising situation. To avoid detection from the Dalton matriarch, Thomas unintentionally murders Ms. Dalton, and his life then spirals out of control, resulting in the second murder of his girlfriend, Bessie. After avoiding the authorities for several days, Thomas is eventually caught and found guilty of the murder and alleged raping
3/28/2012
AML-4607
Professor Heather Russell
Racism and the Oppressed Black Man—Bigger Thomas In 20th Century African-American Literature, the students were instructed to write a critical analysis on one of five texts reviewed throughout the course. This paper will provide an analytical approach on the concept of race and identity as reflected in, Richard Wright’s, Native Son. Bigger Thomas’ instinct for survival plays a key role for the reasons behind his actions in this novel. Was it mere survival instinct that jolted Bigger to murder? Or did he, as he mentioned— “kill for something”? Whether the instinct was survival or “for something”, Bigger was driven to murder and showed little regret for his actions. Author Richard Wright, provides a fictional account of a young black man, Bigger Thomas, born and raised in poverty. As the protagonist of Native Son, the reader is enthralled by the struggles faced by Thomas as a result of his horrid choices. The nature of his environment facilitated his rebellious behavior and an ill-fated circumstance with a wealthy white woman, led to his ultimate demise. By the mere age of twenty, Thomas’ life revolved around petty crimes and acts of illicit behavior. His job as a chauffeur for a wealthy family introduced him to Mary Dalton, his first victim. Dalton’s inappropriate behavior, for example her interrogation of Bigger’s life style, contributed to his apprehension and agitation, which later ignited his fatal act. Following a rowdy night of drinking and sexual tension between Thomas and Ms. Dalton, they both ended up in an unpredictable, yet highly compromising situation. To avoid detection from the Dalton matriarch, Thomas unintentionally murders Ms. Dalton, and his life then spirals out of control, resulting in the second murder of his girlfriend, Bessie. After avoiding the authorities for several days, Thomas is eventually caught and found guilty of the murder and alleged raping
References: Monro Jack, Peter. "Life In America." New York Times 03 03 1940, n. pag. Web. 27 Mar. 2012. . Wright, Richard. Native Son. New York: 2005. Print.