Native Son

By Richard Wright

“Native Son” by Richard Wright is a powerful novel that explores the themes of race, identity, and violence in 1930s Chicago. The novel is notable for its use of literary devices such as symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing, which add depth and complexity to the story of Bigger Thomas, a young black man who becomes entangled in a web of violence and despair. Through Wright’s masterful use of language and imagery, “Native Son” offers a searing critique of American society and its treatment of marginalized communities.

Themes 📚

1. Race and Racism: The novel explores the deeply ingrained racial prejudices and stereotypes that exist in American society, particularly in the 1930s when the novel is set.
2. Identity and Alienation: The protagonist, Bigger Thomas, struggles to come to terms with his identity as a black man in a society that views him as inferior and marginalizes him at every turn. This leads to a sense of alienation and despair that drives much of the novel’s action.
3. Violence and Oppression: The novel portrays the brutal and oppressive conditions faced by black people in America, particularly in urban areas like Chicago. Bigger’s experiences of violence and oppression, both from white society and within his own community, serve as a commentary on the larger social and political context of the time.
4. Power and Control: The novel examines the ways in which power and control operate in society, particularly in the context of race and class. Bigger’s actions, both violent and non-violent, are driven by a desire for power and control in a society that denies him both.
5. Justice and Injustice: The novel raises important questions about justice and injustice, particularly in the context of the criminal justice system. Bigger’s trial and eventual execution highlight the ways in which the system is stacked against black people and the poor, and the novel ultimately raises larger questions about the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system.
6. Family and Community: The novel also explores the importance of family and community in shaping a person’s identity and experiences. Bigger’s relationships with his family, particularly his mother and siblings, as well as his interactions with the wider community, serve as important touchstones throughout the novel.
7. Education and Ignorance: The novel highlights the importance of education and the dangers of ignorance, particularly in the context of race and class. Bigger’s limited education and lack of opportunities contribute to his sense of powerlessness and despair, and the novel ultimately raises questions about the role of education in empowering marginalized communities.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: The novel makes use of various symbols to convey deeper meaning and themes. For example, the rat that Bigger kills early in the novel serves as a metaphor for Bigger’s own position as a powerless and despised figure in society.
2. Irony: The novel makes use of irony to highlight the contradictions and injustices of American society. For example, Bigger is hired by a wealthy white family to serve as a chauffeur, but is still treated with suspicion and contempt by his employers.
3. Foreshadowing: The novel uses foreshadowing to create a sense of tension and anticipation throughout the narrative. For example, Bigger’s fear of being caught for the murder of Mary foreshadows his eventual capture and trial.
4. Imagery: The novel makes use of vivid and powerful imagery to convey the emotional and psychological experiences of the characters. For example, the descriptions of the urban landscape of Chicago serve as a powerful backdrop to Bigger’s experiences of violence and oppression.
5. Stream of consciousness: The novel makes use of stream of consciousness narration to provide insight into the inner workings of Bigger’s mind. This technique allows the reader to understand Bigger’s motivations and thought processes in a more intimate and nuanced way.
6. Flashbacks: The novel makes use of flashbacks to provide important context and backstory for the characters. For example, the flashbacks to Bigger’s childhood in the South help to explain his feelings of alienation and rage.
7. Allusion: The novel makes use of allusion to reference other literary works and cultural touchstones. For example, Bigger’s fascination with the story of “Bluebeard” serves as an allusion to the idea of the dangerous and mysterious man.
8. Repetition: The novel makes use of repetition to create a sense of rhythm and intensity. For example, the repeated references to Bigger’s “red eyes” after he commits the murder of Mary serve as a powerful motif throughout the novel.
9. Metaphor: The novel makes use of metaphor to convey deeper meaning and insight into the characters and themes. For example, the idea of the “blackness” that consumes Bigger serves as a powerful metaphor for the oppression and marginalization experienced by black people in America.
10. Personification: The novel makes use of personification to imbue objects and ideas with human-like qualities. For example, the “blind eyes” of the white society that oppresses Bigger are given human-like qualities to highlight their cold and indifferent nature.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
1. The rat in the opening scene	The rat in the opening scene of the novel foreshadows Bigger’s feeling of being trapped and hunted by society.
2. Bigger’s fear of white society	Bigger’s fear of white society foreshadows the events that unfold and his ultimate fate.
3. Bigger’s crime-filled past	Bigger’s history of criminal activity foreshadows his eventual downfall and the crimes he commits in the novel.

Symbolism

Example	Explanation
1. The rat	The rat symbolizes Bigger’s feeling of being trapped and the limitations imposed upon him by society.
2. The furnace	The furnace symbolizes Bigger’s attempts to hide his crimes and the destructive force of his actions.
3. The snow	The snow symbolizes the cold, harsh world that Bigger inhabits, as well as the possibility of change and renewal.

Irony

Example	Explanation
1. Bigger’s name	Bigger’s name is ironic because it suggests a larger-than-life figure, yet he is ultimately trapped and limited by his circumstances.
2. The Daltons’ philanthropy	The irony of the Daltons’ philanthropy is that their actions, while intended to help the black community, actually perpetuate systemic racism and contribute to Bigger’s feelings of entrapment.
3. Bigger’s accidental murder of Mary	The accidental murder of Mary is ironic because Bigger’s attempt to avoid being caught with her results in a far more severe crime.

Imagery

Example	Explanation
1. Urban landscape	The imagery of the urban landscape in “Native Son” creates a sense of place and highlights the oppressive environment that Bigger inhabits.
2. The furnace	The imagery of the furnace emphasizes the darkness and heat associated with Bigger’s attempts to hide his crimes.
3. The snowstorm	The snowstorm imagery underscores the harsh, cold world that Bigger experiences, as well as the potential for change and renewal.

Allusion

Example	Explanation
1. Biblical references	Biblical references, such as Bigger’s comparison to Judas, deepen the novel’s themes of sin, guilt, and betrayal.
2. Historical context	Allusions to the historical context of the novel, including the Great Migration and the racism of the time, provide a backdrop for the story and its themes.
3. Literary references	Allusions to other works of literature, such as Richard Wright’s own essays and the works of other African American authors, create connections and enhance the themes and motifs of “Native Son.”

Flashbacks

Example	Explanation
1. Bigger’s childhood memories	Flashbacks to Bigger’s childhood provide insight into his character development and the origins of his feelings of entrapment and anger.
2. Bigger’s past crimes	Flashbacks to Bigger’s past crimes reveal the impact of systemic racism on his life and foreshadow the events of the novel.
3. Bigger’s relationship with his family	Flashbacks to Bigger’s relationship with his family offer a deeper understanding of his motivations and the forces that shape his actions.

Repetition

Example	Explanation
1. The theme of entrapment	The theme of entrapment is repeated throughout the novel, emphasizing Bigger’s feelings of being trapped by societal expectations and limitations.
2. The motif of fear	The motif of fear is repeated in various instances, such as Bigger’s fear of white society, highlighting the oppressive environment and the impact of racism on Bigger’s life.
3. Bigger’s anger	Bigger’s anger is repeated throughout the novel, emphasizing the consequences of his upbringing and his feelings of powerlessness in the face of systemic racism.

Motifs

Example	Explanation
1. Flight	The motif of flight is repeated throughout the novel, symbolizing Bigger’s desire for freedom and escape from his circumstances.
2. Fire	The motif of fire appears in various forms, such as the furnace and Bigger’s arson, representing the destructive power of his actions and emotions.
3. Darkness	Darkness is a recurring motif in “Native Son,” symbolizing Bigger’s fear, confusion, and the oppressive nature of the world he inhabits.

Juxtaposition

Example	Explanation
1. Wealth and poverty	The juxtaposition of the wealthy Daltons and the impoverished Thomas family highlights the social and economic disparities in the novel.
2. Bigger and Mary	The contrasting characters of Bigger and Mary emphasize the racial and social tensions in the novel.
3. Violence and tenderness	The juxtaposition of violence and tenderness in Bigger’s character showcases the complexity of his emotions and his struggle to reconcile his feelings.

Foils

Example	Explanation
1. Bigger and Gus	Gus serves as a foil to Bigger, as his hesitancy and fear contrast with Bigger’s impulsiveness and aggression.
2. Mary and Bessie	Mary and Bessie are foils, with Mary representing the naïve and privileged white woman and Bessie symbolizing the harsh realities faced by black women in the novel.
3. Mr. Dalton and Max	Mr. Dalton and Max are foils, as Mr. Dalton’s paternalistic and misguided philanthropy contrasts with Max’s genuine empathy and understanding of the systemic issues affecting Bigger.

FAQs 💭