Native Son happens to be one of my most favorite books that we've read this year. I found it very interesting and it kept me on my toes. However, Bigger's character annoyed me on many levels. He just seem to fill the stereotypical role of the arrogant, black man. Knowing that his father is no longer a part of their lives, he does not want to step up and become the man of the house. He is reluctant to get a job and is ashamed of his family all due to fear. He acts as a coward; Bigger is afraid of success so does not feel the need to try. He fears white people, and believes that none of them are good-all just trying to oppress the black race- so sits around waiting to fail. However, Bigger did grow on me; after he was incarcerated, it seem like he finally begin to learn and understand life, which was of course too late. He was way too ignorant and set in his ways and didn't realize it until time was up. All in all I really enjoyed this book and believe that it will remain one of my favorites for quite a while as Richard Wright's writing style was simply astonishing.
-Erin P
You say he begins to understand, but too late. Is it ever too late? Does our understanding only count if we get to act on it?
ReplyDeleteI want to answer Mrs. Elliott's question. I read Native Son also, and I found it interesting because sadly I related the story to my ex boyfriend. Bigger Thomas relates so closely to my ex. They have the same characteristics and same anxious, angry, jittery attitude. I think in Bigger's and in my Ex's case along with anyone involved in this situation, that it is never to late to turn their life around. That does not mean that the person won't have to deal with the consequences but they can change their philosophy and the way they react to live.
ReplyDeletemariah n.
I also agree with Mariah, that its never to late to change yourself, but if you want to change yourself, you have to face certain changes. I believe, maybe Bigger wasn't ready to face changes, so he simply gave up on life. But in reality I wish that every human being lives life with compassion, and does not gain the desire to give up on life, but rather tries to achieve something new everyday.
ReplyDelete-Semarn K
Regrding Mrs. Elliott's question, I feel like it can be answered both yes and no. I think you can gain understanding too late, for instance, in Bigger's case; I feel like he grasped the concept of life just a moment too late. You are given a certain amount of chances in life and he seemed to have exceeded those.
ReplyDeleteAnd then again, one can say that it is never too late because we all have the opppurtunity to change and turn our lives around but if we don't utilize this ability, does one really unerstand?