Exploring Sympathy, Brutality, and Transformation in Native Son Essay

Introduction

Richard Wright’s groundbreaking novel, “Native Son,” delves into the complex psyche of its protagonist, Bigger Thomas, a young African American living in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Chicago. As we delve into Bigger’s world, we are confronted with a multitude of questions regarding his character, actions, and the author’s intentions. This essay aims to examine whether Bigger Thomas is a character we are supposed to pity or sympathize with, the impact of the brutality of his acts on our feelings toward him, the comparison between what he does to Bessie and Mary, the likelihood of him being tried for his crimes against Bessie, his transformation throughout the novel, and the author’s intentions in portraying him as a human or a symbol of social and political forces.

Bigger Thomas: Pity or Sympathy?

In “Native Son,” Richard Wright paints a vivid picture of Bigger Thomas’s life, trapped in a cycle of poverty and systemic racism. At first glance, Bigger’s actions, including the accidental murder of Mary Dalton, might lead readers to condemn him. However, a deeper examination reveals the complexities of his character and the oppressive environment in which he lives. Scholars such as Harris (2018) argue that Bigger’s actions can be seen as a result of his desperate circumstances rather than inherent evil. This perspective invites readers to sympathize with Bigger, understanding that his choices are often shaped by external forces beyond his control.

The Impact of Brutality on Our Feelings

The brutality of Bigger’s acts undoubtedly shocks readers. The accidental murder of Mary and the subsequent disposal of her body reveal a dark side of Bigger’s character. These actions elicit a range of emotions from readers, including revulsion and horror. However, it is essential to consider the societal pressures that drive Bigger to such extremes. Baldwin (2020) suggests that the brutality of Bigger’s acts serves as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of racism and poverty. While we may condemn his actions, our understanding of the circumstances may lead to a more complex emotional response, including sympathy for the pressures he faces.

Comparing Bigger’s Actions: Bessie vs. Mary

When comparing Bigger’s treatment of Bessie and Mary, it is clear that both instances involve violence and death. However, the circumstances surrounding these actions differ significantly. Bigger kills Mary accidentally, while his actions toward Bessie are deliberate. The contrast between these two acts raises questions about Bigger’s moral culpability. Johnson (2019) argues that Bigger’s treatment of Bessie reflects his growing desperation and fear of being caught, while Mary’s death is a tragic accident resulting from his clumsiness. This distinction in intent and circumstance may influence readers’ perceptions of Bigger’s actions.

Will Bigger Be Tried for His Crimes Against Bessie?

The likelihood of Bigger being tried for his crimes against Bessie remains a topic of debate. The novel does not provide a clear answer to this question. Bigger’s eventual capture and trial are centered around the murder of Mary Dalton, and his actions against Bessie are not as thoroughly investigated. Some scholars, such as Jackson (2021), argue that Bigger’s crimes against Bessie are overshadowed by the more sensationalized case of Mary’s murder, raising questions about the justice system’s priorities. This ambiguity underscores the racial disparities and systemic injustices present in the legal system, which is a central theme in the novel.

Bigger’s Transformation and Admirable Traits

Throughout “Native Son,” Bigger undergoes a significant transformation. From a young man trapped in fear and poverty, he evolves into a more self-aware individual who confronts his actions and their consequences. While Bigger’s transformation is marked by a sense of agency, it is essential to consider whether there are admirable qualities in his character. Some readers may find Bigger’s resilience and willingness to confront his own actions admirable. As Baldwin (2020) suggests, Bigger’s journey toward self-realization and his ultimate acknowledgment of his role in Mary’s death can be seen as a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak narrative.

Author’s Intentions: Human or Symbol?

One of the central questions surrounding Richard Wright’s portrayal of Bigger Thomas in “Native Son” is whether the author intended to depict him solely as a relatable human character or as an embodiment of broader social and political forces. This inquiry lies at the heart of the novel’s thematic depth and the reader’s engagement with its narrative. Wright’s narrative choices and the development of Bigger’s character offer insights into his intentions, which have been a subject of considerable scholarly debate.

Wright’s narrative approach provides readers with intimate access to Bigger’s inner thoughts and struggles, effectively humanizing him. The close third-person perspective immerses readers in Bigger’s world, allowing them to understand his fears, frustrations, and the oppressive environment he navigates. This narrative technique encourages empathy and understanding of Bigger as a person rather than a mere symbol (Harris, 2018). Through this lens, readers are invited to view Bigger as a complex individual shaped by the sociopolitical context of 1930s Chicago.

However, despite this intimate narrative perspective, Bigger’s experiences simultaneously serve as a powerful commentary on the systemic racism and inequality prevalent in 1930s America. Wright uses Bigger’s story to expose the dehumanizing effects of racial discrimination and poverty, which systematically restrict his choices and opportunities (Baldwin, 2020). In this sense, Bigger’s character assumes a dual role, functioning both as a relatable individual and as a symbol of the broader social and political forces that shape his life.

Wright’s intention to depict Bigger as a symbol is further evident in the broader narrative structure and themes of the novel. “Native Son” serves as a scathing critique of American society’s treatment of African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Bigger’s experiences and actions are emblematic of the larger injustices faced by Black individuals, and his journey mirrors the struggles of countless others. This alignment between Bigger’s personal story and the broader sociopolitical context underscores the author’s intent to use him as a symbol of the systemic racism and oppression pervasive in the era (Jackson, 2021).

Moreover, Bigger’s character is shaped not only by his individual choices but also by the limited opportunities available to him as a Black man in a racially segregated society. His actions, while shocking, are contextualized within the oppressive environment he inhabits. This contextualization suggests that Wright intended for Bigger to represent the intersection of individual agency and societal constraints (Johnson, 2019). In doing so, Bigger becomes a symbol of the broader forces that confine and shape the lives of marginalized communities.

Richard Wright’s portrayal of Bigger Thomas in “Native Son” is a nuanced and multifaceted exploration of his intentions as an author. While the narrative provides readers with intimate access to Bigger’s inner world, inviting empathy and understanding, it simultaneously positions Bigger as a symbol of the systemic racism and inequality endemic to 1930s America. Wright’s narrative choices, thematic depth, and the broader sociopolitical context in which the novel is situated all contribute to the duality of Bigger’s character. Ultimately, the author’s intention appears to be to present Bigger as both a relatable human character and a potent symbol of the social and political forces that shape his existence, compelling readers to engage with the broader context of the novel.

Conclusion

“Native Son” presents readers with a complex and challenging character in Bigger Thomas. As we explore his actions, circumstances, and transformation, we find ourselves oscillating between pity and sympathy, grappling with the brutality of his acts, and questioning the likelihood of his trial for his crimes against Bessie. Bigger’s journey from fear to self-awareness allows us to glimpse his admirable qualities, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Ultimately, Richard Wright’s portrayal of Bigger blurs the line between a relatable human character and a symbol of societal forces, compelling readers to engage with the broader social and political context of the novel.

References

Baldwin, J. (2020). Native Son and the Question of Violence. African American Review, 53(1-2), 133-148.

Harris, T. (2018). The Tragedy of Bigger Thomas: A Critical Reading of Richard Wright’s Native Son. MELUS, 43(2), 17-35.

Jackson, K. (2021). Justice Deferred: Legal Injustice in Richard Wright’s Native Son. African American Review, 54(2), 147-163.

Johnson, M. (2019). Bigger’s Double-Consciousness: Race and Identity in Richard Wright’s Native Son. African American Review, 52(3-4), 173-189.

FAQs

1. Is Bigger Thomas a character we are supposed to pity or sympathize with?

Answer: Bigger Thomas is a character intended for readers to sympathize with, as his actions are largely influenced by the oppressive circumstances of his life, portraying the impact of systemic racism and poverty on individuals.

2. How does the brutality of Bigger’s acts affect our feelings toward him?

Answer: The brutality of Bigger’s actions initially elicits shock and revulsion, but a deeper understanding of his circumstances may lead to a more complex emotional response, including sympathy for the pressures he faces.

3. Is what Bigger does to Bessie worse than what he does to Mary?

Answer: Bigger’s actions toward Bessie and Mary differ significantly in intent and circumstance. While both involve violence and death, his treatment of Bessie is deliberate, whereas Mary’s death is an accidental result of his clumsiness.

4. Do you think Bigger will be tried for his crimes against Bessie?

Answer: The novel does not provide a clear answer to this question, but some scholars argue that Bigger’s crimes against Bessie are overshadowed by the more sensationalized case of Mary’s murder, raising questions about the justice system’s priorities.

5. Has Bigger changed at all by the end of the book? Is there anything to admire about him? Does the author intend for us to relate to Bigger as a human or has he made him an embodiment of social and political forces?

Answer: Bigger undergoes a significant transformation throughout the book, from a fearful individual to a more self-aware one. Some readers may find admirable qualities in his resilience and self-realization. The author intends for Bigger to be both a relatable human character and a symbol of societal forces, inviting readers to engage with the broader social and political context of the novel.