Bigger in Native Son Richard

¶ … Bigger in Native Son

Richard Wright demonstrates the power of societal preconceptions in his novel, Native Son. Bigger is not necessarily a misogynist because he kills women. He is the product of a society and that society has practically shaped him to be what he is. Bigger is a product of society in many ways. His limited education is one result of what can happen to a young African-American that is lost in the system. As a result of his treatment, Bigger is angry and resentful and much like a caged animal. His violent behavior is the result of a society that mistreats certain individuals.

Bigger is the result of racism and his actions from day-to-day are the result of that racism. There is not a day that goes by that Bigger is not reminded of what color his skin is and there is not a day that goes by that Bigger does not respond to that racism in one form or another. Bigger simply cannot escape that prejudice that surrounds him. He cannot succeed because of the color of his skin and he cannot change the color of his skin. We can see an example of how racism affects Bigger's thoughts and actions as he watches the plane flying overhead with Gus. Both men are more than aware that Bigger would never learn to do something as wonderful as fly a plane because he was African-American. The notion is so far-fetched, that the men laugh at it. This scene is significant because Wright is demonstrating how oppression runs rampant and the African-American is essentially helpless. To expose the gap that exists between the two races, the two men play a game called "white" where they simply pretend to be white. (21) In one scene, the men pretend to be making a business phone call and they speak like how they imagine white businessmen to speak. The game may seem insignificant but it is telling because Bigger and Gus are demonstrating that they are constantly aware that they are different and will never achieve some of the things that white men achieve. Bigger states, "They don't let us do nothing," (22), indicating a sense of hopelessness. This sentiment is further explained when Bigger states, "The got things and we ain't. They do things and we can't. It's just like living in jail" (23). This type of separation from the rest of society is the very thing that drives Bigger to behave the way he does. He feels a sense of loss even at being born and this frustration is released through violent behavior.