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Native Son

In Richard WrightÆs Native Son, we see how American institutionalism has oppressed African Americans. We also see how this oppression leads to the destruction of the soul of the oppressed. In the story, Bigger illustrates a nihilistic attitude that stems from his treatment by white, racist society. Living in such a dominant and racist environment, Bigger and African Americans are largely viewed as ômonstersö by whites. Such treatment tends to make Bigger an outsider whose voice is oppressed. His only chance for expression stems from his relations with other African Americans. Despite this community among African Americans, the forces of racism and oppression are responsible for BiggerÆs downfall.

Wright often uses symbolism and characterization to reinforce his theme of racism and oppression. The alarm clock that rings in the beginning of the novel is symbolic. It is a symbol Wright uses as a ôwake upö call to a society that remains locked in illusions regarding its creation of unequal race relations. Such treatment of African Americans makes Bigger an individual who is ôfollowing a strange path in a strange landö (Wright 127). This is why BiggerÆs lawyer tells the court that Bigger is incapable of killing, because he is already dead as he is forced to exist in a society that refuses him any affirmation of life.

Bigger is a displaced persona because the society into which he is born allows him no place. He is destined to fail, primarily because failure is one of the few options afforded African Americans in a racist society. Wright uses another symbol to demonstrate this, a giant billboard outside BiggerÆs window that reminds him you canÆt win. There is no hope for Bigger because despite any capacity he might have for success, he lives in an environment that never gives him a chance. In fact, Bigger is most often viewed as a ômonsterö by whites, something typical of the treatment of African Americans ...

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Native Son. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 10:06, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1710229.html