Native Son

1. What are some of the reasons that Bigger begins to trust Jan and Boris Max?

         When Jan encounters Bigger in his cell, he is not angry. He does not shout, throw articles, or even attempt to reach Bigger. Jan presents himself as mere individual with good underlying character, as if one were put in his position, one would act not in Jan’s serene manner. Jan confronts Bigger, “ ‘I’m not trying to make up to you, Bigger. I didn’t come here to feel sorry for you. I don’t suppose you’re so much worse off than the rest of us who get tangled up in this world” (Wright 288). Bigger starts to confide within Jan, who does attempt to open himself and understand Bigger’s circumstances and oppression.

         Bigger also begins to confide with his lawyer. He searches in him, since he is completely doubtful for success as the outcome of the trial. However, Bigger wants to resolve some internal issues with himself as the result of his aggressions and oppression. Max parallels the circumstance of Bigger. Max has been oppressed throughout the course of his life, because of faith in Judaism. Therefore, Max understands Bigger’s contemplation in the circumstance and his search for personal vindication.   

2. Why does Bigger attack Reverend Hammond and discard the cross Hammond has given to him?

         Bigger reflects on Mary’s murder and feels quite ashamed of the actions he had proposed. Bigger certainly contrasts the belief of his mother and of Reverend Hammond. He does not want to face his demise and he does not want to enter the gates of Heaven, like what some highly devoted Christians pertain their fate to. Bigger then slams the door in Reverend Hammond’s face in such a rude manner and discards the cross-given to him. This symbolizes how Bigger has seen crosses burn, which depicts the white’s hatred and oppression for him and his race. Every time Bigger views the cross, he perceives it to be of quite disgust full with hatred, and great oppression.

3. What two incidents in the novel indicate that the author believes that the psychiatric profession has contributed to racism?

Two incidents in the novel indicate that author believes that a psychiatric profession has contributed to this society’s racism. The media constitutes an affect where psychologists imply that no African American men can resist white women. However, this perpetuates a stereotype that all African American are animalistic in the way they are perceived to have relations with these white women. The media imposes a mind set on the society, as a form of escape to persecute the African American minority. Bigger reads the news headlines of himself, “Though the Negro killer’s body does not seem compactly built, he gives the impression of possessing abnormal physical strength. He is about five feet, nine inches tall and his skin is exceedingly black. His lower jaw protrudes obnoxiously, reminding one of a jungle beast” (Wright 279). It is implied that Bigger is a figure that foreshadows the African American community. The media protrudes Bigger as a scapegoat and animalistic to his society. 

         Bigger is placed into a cell for his rant and deeds as a black man. Now confined, theses psychiatric professions will contribute to racism, as he is black man confined behind the bars of such a cruel and hostile society. Bigger shouts, “You’re afraid of me! That’s why you put me in here!” (Wright 344). Through all of his heinous deeds, the whites do fear Bigger and what he could be capable of as an animalistic black man. Therefore, Bigger symbolizes all the African American community, which the whites provoke such racism and oppression for their ignorant fears of this ethnic race. 

Allison