Native Son Analysis

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Who has the role of the victim in a civilization overrun with ethnic prejudices and discrimination? Native Son, a novel by Richard Wright, focuses on the effects of racism on the oppressors and the oppressed. The novel establishes the notion that in an ethnically prejudiced society, discrimination can, and will, come from anywhere, and most significant incidents do nothing but only contribute to its decline. The protagonist lives in a world of inescapable inferiority - in a society where he will never be allowed to succeed or be able to live up its seemingly high standards simply because he is a black man. Bigger is a pitiful product of American imperialism and exploitation. Bigger embodies one of humankind’s greatest tragedies of how mass oppression pervades all aspects of the lives of the oppressed as well as the oppressor, creating a complex world of misunderstanding, ignorance, pain, and suffering. Wright eloquently exploits this theme of racism and allows the reader to truly feel how the pressure and racism affects the feelings, thoughts, self-image, and life of a black person. Bigger Thomas is a twenty year old black man who lives in a cramped, rat- infested apartment with his family. Already from the beginning it can be seen his inadequacy through his home life and other actions. "A huge back rat squealed and leaped at Bigger's trouser- leg and snagged it in his teeth, hanging on" (Wright 5). The black people in the community were forced to live in impoverished neighborhoods, the South Side, with pitiful resources and goods, and limited opportunity for education. Bigger had lived a life defined by fear and anger toward the whites who overpower him. He and his friends commit crimes, but only against other blacks; the group ... ... middle of paper ... ...l parts of the lives of the oppressed and the oppressor. None can escape it. However, the oppression is felt more strongly by the black masses, who are denied equality and made to suffer many injustices that should have never came into being. Wright wants the reader to come to realize that Bigger is a tragic responsibility of American society and culture, which are racist and cruel. The white world is obviously domineering and unwilling to give up power so that the “lesser people” rise in status. Moreover, Bigger represents a tragedy of American innovation, of a culture that is so greedy for power and wealth that they will deny liberty to others and make them suffer at the expense of selfish success. Wright also warns the reader that there are many Biggers among every oppressed mass throughout the world who are merely one catalyst away from erupting just as he did.

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