“Native Son” is a novel written by Richard Wright and published in 1940. Set in 1930s Chicago, the story follows the life of a young African-American man named Bigger Thomas, who is trapped in a cycle of poverty, racism, and oppression.
The novel is divided into three sections, each highlighting different aspects of Bigger’s life and experiences.
In the first section, titled “Fear,” the reader is introduced to Bigger Thomas, a twenty-year-old living in a small, cramped apartment with his mother, siblings, and his mother’s boyfriend, Gus. Bigger’s life is characterized by feelings of anger, frustration, and hopelessness. He is constantly reminded of his place as a marginalized individual in a society that discriminates against African Americans.
Bigger gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family, the Daltons, which leads to the central event of the novel. He becomes increasingly paranoid and anxious about his interactions with the Daltons, fearing that any wrong move could result in severe consequences. One evening, while driving their daughter Mary and her boyfriend Jan around the city, Bigger accidentally kills Mary in a moment of panic. Consumed by fear and unable to face the consequences of his actions, Bigger decides to cover up the crime.
The second section, titled “Flight,” delves into Bigger’s attempt to conceal his crime and escape from the police. He disposes of Mary’s body in the furnace, trying to eliminate any evidence. As the investigation intensifies, Bigger’s actions become more desperate and erratic. He begins writing ransom letters to extort money from the Daltons, but his plan backfires, and he becomes a fugitive.
During his escape, Bigger takes refuge in the South Side slums, where he encounters Bessie, his girlfriend. However, fearing that she might expose him, he kills her as well. Bigger’s actions become symbolic of his rage against a society that has oppressed and dehumanized him.
In the final section, titled “Fate,” Bigger is eventually apprehended by the police and stands trial for his crimes. The legal proceedings expose the racial prejudices ingrained within the criminal justice system, as Bigger is portrayed as a monster solely based on his race and socioeconomic background.
Despite the efforts of Bigger’s defense lawyer, Max, who argues for understanding and context, Bigger is found guilty and sentenced to death. The novel ends with Bigger’s realization that his actions were a consequence of the society that pushed him to the margins, trapped him in poverty, and denied him any chance of a meaningful life.
“Native Son” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of racial injustice, poverty, and the impact of societal forces on individual actions. It sheds light on the dehumanization of African Americans in 1930s America and the devastating consequences of systemic racism.
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