Introduction
Richard Wright’s “Native Son,” published in 1940, is a seminal work in American literature. It explores complex themes of race, poverty, and systemic oppression through the life of its protagonist, Bigger Thomas. This novel, set in Chicago’s South Side during the 1930s, offers a stark depiction of the harsh realities faced by African Americans in a society dominated by white supremacy. Wright’s powerful narrative not only brings attention to the struggles of the black community but also challenges readers to confront the pervasive injustices of the time.
Background
“Native Son” was written during a period of intense racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. The Great Migration had seen millions of African Americans move from the rural South to urban centers in the North, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping Jim Crow laws. However, they encountered new forms of racism and economic exploitation. Wright himself, having grown up in Mississippi and later moved to Chicago, infused his personal experiences and observations into the novel, making it a poignant commentary on the African American experience.
Setting and Atmosphere
The novel is set in the South Side of Chicago, a predominantly black neighborhood characterized by poverty, overcrowding, and limited opportunities. Wright’s vivid descriptions of the urban landscape create a palpable sense of confinement and hopelessness that mirrors Bigger Thomas’s internal struggles. The oppressive atmosphere of the setting is crucial in understanding the motivations and actions of the characters, as it reflects the broader societal constraints imposed on them.
Point of View and Narrative Voice
“Native Son” employs a third-person limited point of view, primarily focusing on Bigger Thomas’s perspective. This narrative choice allows readers to gain insight into Bigger’s thoughts, fears, and motivations, creating a sense of empathy for a character who might otherwise be seen as merely a criminal. Wright’s narrative voice is both raw and unflinching, capturing the harsh realities of Bigger’s world while also delving deeply into his psychological turmoil.
Tone and Mood
The tone of “Native Son” is dark, intense, and often foreboding. Wright’s writing conveys a sense of impending doom that looms over Bigger’s life, reflecting the constant threat of violence and oppression faced by black individuals in a racist society. The mood is one of tension and despair, as Bigger’s story unfolds with a sense of inevitability that underscores the systemic nature of his struggles.
Characters – Major and Minor
Major Characters
- Bigger Thomas: The protagonist, a young black man whose life of poverty and oppression leads him to commit a series of crimes. Bigger’s character is complex and multi-dimensional, representing the effects of systemic racism on an individual’s psyche and actions.
- Mary Dalton: The daughter of Bigger’s wealthy white employer. Her murder by Bigger sets off the central conflict of the novel. Mary’s liberal views and naivety about race relations highlight the disconnect between white philanthropy and the realities of black life.
- Mr. and Mrs. Dalton: Mary’s parents. Mr. Dalton is a wealthy real estate magnate who professes to help black Americans while profiting from their exploitation. Mrs. Dalton’s blindness is symbolic of the willful ignorance of white society toward racial injustices.
- Bessie Mears: Bigger’s girlfriend, whose life is marked by the same poverty and hopelessness that afflicts Bigger. Her tragic fate underscores the collateral damage of Bigger’s desperate actions.
- Jan Erlone: Mary Dalton’s boyfriend and a member of the Communist Party. Jan’s genuine desire to understand and help Bigger contrasts with Bigger’s deep-seated mistrust and fear of white people.
Minor Characters
- Vera Thomas: Bigger’s sister, who represents the potential for a different future that Bigger feels is unattainable for himself.
- Buddy Thomas: Bigger’s younger brother, who looks up to Bigger but is also a reminder of the family responsibilities Bigger feels unable to fulfill.
- Gus, G.H., and Jack: Bigger’s friends, who share his sense of entrapment but also serve as foils to his more extreme actions.
- Boris Max: Bigger’s lawyer, a Jewish Communist who attempts to defend Bigger by highlighting the societal forces that shaped his actions.
Plot Summary
“Native Son” is divided into three parts: “Fear,” “Flight,” and “Fate.”
Part 1: Fear
Bigger Thomas lives in a cramped apartment with his family in Chicago’s South Side. He is frustrated and angry at the limited opportunities available to him as a black man. When a job as a chauffeur for the wealthy Dalton family becomes available, Bigger reluctantly takes it. On his first night, he drives Mary Dalton and her boyfriend, Jan, around the city. Jan’s attempts to treat Bigger as an equal make him uncomfortable. Later, when Mary is too drunk to make it to her room, Bigger helps her, but Mrs. Dalton walks in, and in a panic, Bigger accidentally smothers Mary to death. Terrified, he disposes of her body in the furnace.
Part 2: Flight
As news of Mary’s disappearance spreads, Bigger tries to cover his tracks by implicating Jan. He hides the truth from his family and friends and persuades Bessie to help him extort money from the Daltons. However, the police eventually close in, and Bigger’s crime is discovered. He goes on the run, leading to a citywide manhunt. Bigger’s fear and desperation drive him to kill Bessie to prevent her from revealing the truth.
Part 3: Fate
Bigger is captured and put on trial for the murders of Mary and Bessie. His lawyer, Boris Max, argues that Bigger’s actions were the result of a lifetime of racial oppression and systemic injustice. Despite this, Bigger is convicted and sentenced to death. In his final moments, Bigger begins to understand the forces that shaped his life and expresses a desire for a different future, even though he knows it is too late for him.
Plot Structure
“Native Son” follows a linear narrative structure with a clear progression from Bigger’s initial crime to his ultimate capture and trial. The novel’s three-part division—”Fear,” “Flight,” and “Fate”—mirrors Bigger’s psychological journey and the escalating tension of the plot. This structure allows Wright to explore different facets of Bigger’s character and the societal forces at play.
Summary (Acts and Scene wise)
Act 1: Fear
- Scene 1: Introduction to Bigger’s life and family.
- Scene 2: Bigger gets the job with the Dalton family.
- Scene 3: Bigger’s discomfort with Mary and Jan.
- Scene 4: The accidental murder of Mary Dalton.
Act 2: Flight
- Scene 1: Bigger’s attempts to cover up the crime.
- Scene 2: The extortion plot with Bessie.
- Scene 3: The discovery of Mary’s body.
- Scene 4: Bigger’s escape and manhunt.
Act 3: Fate
- Scene 1: Bigger’s capture.
- Scene 2: The trial and Boris Max’s defense.
- Scene 3: Bigger’s realization and execution.
Themes
- Racism and Oppression: The novel highlights the pervasive racism and systemic oppression faced by African Americans, shaping every aspect of Bigger’s life.
- Fear and Control: Bigger’s actions are driven by a deep-seated fear and a desire for control in a world that denies him autonomy.
- Identity and Self-Perception: Bigger’s struggle with his identity and how he is perceived by society is a central theme, reflecting broader questions of race and self-worth.
- Socioeconomic Inequality: The stark contrast between the lives of the Daltons and Bigger underscores the economic disparities that reinforce racial divides.
Symbols
- The Furnace: Represents the destructive power of fear and the lengths to which Bigger goes to hide his guilt.
- Blindness: Mrs. Dalton’s literal blindness symbolizes the metaphorical blindness of white society to the realities of black life.
- The Rat: At the beginning of the novel, the rat in Bigger’s apartment symbolizes his own trapped existence and the violence that ensues from such confinement.
Motifs
- Violence: The recurring motif of violence highlights the desperation and anger born of oppression.
- Flight: Bigger’s repeated attempts to escape his circumstances reflect his desire for freedom and autonomy.
- Vision and Perception: The motif of seeing and being seen underscores the theme of racial invisibility and the lack of true understanding between black and white communities.
Imagery
Wright’s use of vivid imagery brings the harsh realities of Bigger’s world to life. The bleak, oppressive urban landscape and the detailed descriptions of Bigger’s actions create a visceral experience for the reader, emphasizing the novel’s themes of fear, violence, and oppression.
Literary Devices
- Foreshadowing: Wright uses foreshadowing to build tension and hint at Bigger’s fate, such as the early scene with the rat.
- Symbolism: Symbols like the furnace and blindness enhance the novel’s thematic depth.
- Irony: The irony of Mr. Dalton’s philanthropic efforts juxtaposed with his exploitation of black tenants highlights the hypocrisy of white liberalism.
Language and Style
Wright’s language is direct and unadorned, reflecting the raw reality of Bigger’s life. His use of dialogue captures the vernacular speech of the characters, adding authenticity to their voices. The novel’s style is both naturalistic and modernist, blending detailed realism with psychological depth.
Genre and Form
“Native Son” is a work of social realism, using a realistic narrative to critique social structures and injustices. It also incorporates elements of the psychological novel, delving deeply into Bigger’s inner world and motivations.
Historical and Cultural Context
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Great Migration and the pervasive racism of the early 20th century. It reflects the tensions of a society grappling with issues of race, class, and economic disparity, making it a powerful commentary on its historical moment.
Literary Criticism
“Native Son” has been the subject of extensive literary criticism, with scholars examining its themes, characters, and Wright’s narrative techniques. Some have praised it for its unflinching portrayal of racism, while others have critiqued its depiction of violence and its implications for African American representation.
Author Studies
Richard Wright, a prominent African American writer, drew from his own experiences to create “Native Son.” His works often explore themes of race, identity, and social justice, making significant contributions to American literature and the broader cultural conversation on race.
Adaptations
“Native Son” has been adapted into several films, plays, and even a television series, each interpretation bringing new dimensions to Wright’s original story and making it accessible to different audiences.
Influence and Legacy
The novel’s impact on American literature and its role in shaping conversations about race and justice cannot be overstated. It has influenced generations of writers and remains a vital work for understanding the complexities of racial dynamics in America.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Native Son” received both acclaim and criticism. It was praised for its powerful social critique and compelling narrative but also faced backlash for its portrayal of violence and its bleak outlook on race relations. Despite this, it has endured as a landmark work in American literature.
Conclusion
“Native Son” by Richard Wright is a profound exploration of the effects of systemic racism and oppression on the individual and society. Through the tragic story of Bigger Thomas, Wright challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the enduring legacy of racial injustice. The novel’s powerful narrative, complex characters, and rich thematic content make it an essential work for students of English literature and anyone interested in the intersections of race, class, and identity in America.