Native Son-November 28th

1. Compare and contrast Bigger's attitude toward the world around him and Mrs. Thomas'.

         Wright introduces Bigger, “He felt that same way toward everyone. As long as he could remember, he had never been responsible to anyone. The moment a situation became so that it exacted something of him, he rebelled, That was the way he lived; he passed the days trying to defeat or gratify powerful impulses in a world he feared” (Wright 42). In this, one can view Bigger as an alienated character who has always had himself self-centered and sufficient. The acts that occur before this, Wright makes this proposal to bring in the new view of Bigger’s altercation to society. Hence, Wright creates a disposition between man versus society, where Bigger’s rebellion and character play a role to his fear and oppression in society.

         Bigger is forced to play as a father figure, to make up for the disappearance of a real father figure in his life. Bigger is still a child himself, as he lives with his mother and siblings. His mother repeatedly talks down upon his actions, and his lack of motivation to get a job to support the whole family. In retrospect, Bigger’s mother is the degrading and is simulated by the white oppressors. She is not critical like her son, as her son is inquisitive to why the dominance of white power and oppression dominates over all. In contrast, Bigger’s mom takes what is given to her, unlike what her son deeply aspires to obtain more in the society that gives him virtually nothing of his own. Mrs. Thomas begins to hum, “Life is like a mountain railroad with an engineer that’s brave we must make the run successful from the cradle to the grave…” (Wright 10). Mrs. Thomas utilizes the power of God and religion to get through life. She uses spiritual guides to direct her, as she is a realist character who sees no opportunities for blacks in this society. However, Bigger is a romantic character, who dreams and desires for equality to the white oppression, a life of no struggles and hardships, and to obtain any materialistic item he should ever want or need.       

     

2. Mr. Dalton and Jan Erlone both profess to be friendly towards African Americans, yet they are hostile to each other. Compare and contrast their attitudes towards African Americans and explain their mutual hostility?

         Mr. Dalton and Jan Erlone are both very friendly towards African Americans, and are especially towards Bigger. Mr. Dalton gives an opportunity for an altercation in Bigger’s life. He hires Bigger as his driver and personal housing employee, regardless of Bigger’s ethnicity, background, and his criminal past. Bigger is granted a his own room in the house, free meals daily cooked by Peggy, as well as a day he is exempted from work. In addition, Bigger is paid twenty- five dollars a week for his services, which is an employment rate any African American has not heard of in this oppressed society. Peggy speaks of the Dalton’s, “ ‘They’ve got millions, but they live like human beings. They don’t put on airs and strut’ ” (Wright 56). Mr. Dalton is very genuine towards Bigger in all aspects, as he does not see him as a black man, but more of a mere individual. Unlike Mr. Dalton, Jan, is the leader of the Communist Party. He invites Bigger to dinner with Mary as they are all out and he also drives the Dalton’s car. On Bigger’s first night on the job, he is employed to drive Mary, and her boyfriend Jan around the city. Jan believes in equality for all, but his real situation seems superficial, as he still instructs Bigger to complete some tasks. If he was treating Bigger like a true individual, like what he proposes as the leader of the Communist Party, he would make him truly feel more accepted and less awkward in that scenario. Both Mr. Dalton and Jan encompass a good sense of striving for equality, righteousness, and not reverting to societal racism. However, the approaches and thoughts of these aspects between both men are completely contradictory.-Jan’s a Communist, while Mr. Dalton is a normal wealthy white man.     

3. How is really fear to blame for the murder of Mary (this is a comprehensive question, be thoughtful and think of all aspects of fear that lead to the murder of Mary)?

         Fear is certainly to blame for the murder of Mary. Because of the white oppression, Bigger is determined to not fail his mother, his family, or himself yet again. Out of this fear of another possible failure, he receives this job to attempt to finally do what is right. When he is driving Mary and Jan around, he is essentially doing his job, out of fear that he will fail and lose another opportunity. Bigger does not want to prove his mother’s words right about how he is a failure to be a man and take responsibility for the family.  Essentially, when Bigger places Mary on top of her bed, he feels like he has done something right. Wright explains, “He wanted to lie down upon the floor and sleep off the horror of this thing. But he had to get out of here” (Wright 92). It is not until she does not respond is when he starts to panic with fear. Not aware of his capabilities, he accidently murders Mary out of the fear of being caught in her room, losing his job, and reverting back to his old being as an inferior character living in a harsh society’s complete racism and oppression.    


Love, 
Allison :)