Transformative Power of Judgment in Richard Wright's "Big Black Good Man"

Human decisions and judgments wield a profound influence on our identities and experiences. Whether we assess others based on appearance or demeanor, each judgment has the potential to shape our thoughts and emotions. In Richard Wright's "Big Black Good Man," the protagonist, Olaf, undergoes a life-altering judgment that reverberates throughout the narrative. To comprehend the impact of decisions and judgments on our lives, let us closely examine Olaf's journey.

Olaf's Initial State: A Man of Satisfaction and Contentment

At the story's outset, Olaf epitomizes a man content with life, notwithstanding the weariness induced by work.

Described as having "watery gray irises" and an appearance of "abstraction" and "genial idiocy," Olaf projects an image of a down-to-earth individual (281). Despite not being affluent, Olaf asserts, "I'm not rich, but I'm not poor either" (281). He expresses satisfaction with good health, absence of debts, and emphasizes the insignificance of money. Olaf, a well-traveled and educated man, suggests that he could have taught languages to his hypothetical children.

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In essence, he embodies a well-educated individual content with his life's circumstances.

The Unraveling: Judgment and Its Consequences

However, a pivotal moment occurs when a "huge black thing" enters Olaf's world, triggering a drastic change in his demeanor (282). In this encounter, Olaf's judgment takes center stage. Despite asserting that "men were men," he perceives this man as inhuman—"too big, too black, too direct, and probably too violent" (283). Insecurity engulfs Olaf as he feels diminished and puny in the black man's presence. This instant judgment leads Olaf to refuse the man a room, succumbing to fear and resentment.

The repercussions of this judgment extend to Olaf's attitude towards providing the man with female companionship, revealing deep-seated insecurities about his own size.

Olaf's resentment surfaces, manifesting in a reluctance to contact the women he usually sends to men. He emphasizes the man's size and color when communicating with a female escort. This resentment hints at Olaf's internalized insecurities, creating a rift between him and the black man. The tension escalates when the black man, aware of Olaf's judgment, taunts him with a grinning demeanor. This interaction sets the stage for a year-long nightmare of revenge that consumes Olaf's thoughts and emotions.

The Journey to Redemption: Confronting Prejudice and Compassion

As Olaf lies awake, consumed by thoughts of revenge, the narrative takes a darker turn. His once-satisfied demeanor transforms into one of hatred and detailed fantasies of violence towards the black man. Fear of the black giant's return haunts Olaf for months until the day arrives. However, the unexpected transpires—instead of seeking revenge, the black man returns with a different purpose.

A resolve surges within Olaf to "even the score," fueled by revenge and hatred (289). Yet, to Olaf's surprise, the black man arrives not for confrontation but with a gesture of goodwill. The black man brings Olaf shirts, prompting an unexpected emotional response from Olaf. Laughter ensues, representing a release of tension, shame, and fear. In this moment, Olaf realizes that the black man's stare contains a compassion he had failed to recognize earlier.

Conclusion: The Cautionary Tale of Hasty Judgment

Olaf's transformative journey in "Big Black Good Man" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of quick judgments. From a man of satisfaction and contentment, Olaf descends into a maelstrom of hatred and revenge, all sparked by a single judgment. His year-long nightmare underscores the profound impact of decisions on one's psyche.

The story encourages reflection on the theme of not being too quick to judge. Olaf's misjudgment blinds him to the compassion and humanity that the black man possesses. The narrative prompts us to consider the potential pitfalls of hasty judgments and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of others.

Indeed, our decisions and judgments can fundamentally alter who we are as individuals. Olaf's journey highlights the importance of introspection and the perils of allowing prejudice to dictate our actions. In a world where appearances can be deceiving, the wisdom of withholding judgment until we truly know someone emerges as a timeless moral.