Analysis of “Native Son” Story by Richard Wright

Introduction

Embarking on a journey through the gritty alleys of 1940s Chicago, "Native Son" by the brilliant American wordsmith Richard Wright invites readers to traverse the turbulent existence of Bigger Thomas. In this narrative tapestry, we witness the unfolding drama of a young African American man wrestling with the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination entrenched in the southern landscape of Chicago. Wright's pen crafts a tale that refrains from sugarcoating Bigger's transgressions, skillfully interconnecting a complex web of cause and effect that compels readers to confront the intricate forces shaping the character's actions.

Boris Maks, the legal advocate for Bigger, somberly asserts the seemingly insurmountable predicament faced by black Americans, trapped in a societal maze with elusive escape routes. The narrative grapples with the weighty impact of a historical legacy that has cast a pervasive shadow of negativity upon black individuals throughout a significant stretch of American history.

This essay embarks on an odyssey to unravel the multifaceted layers of "Native Son," aiming to excavate its central theme, dissect the intricate nuances of its main characters, and decode the symbols ingeniously woven by Richard Wright with a distinct purpose.

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As we navigate the labyrinthine complexities of this literary masterpiece, we unravel the poignant exploration of the human condition, societal influence, and the perpetual quest for identity in the face of unrelenting adversity.

Theme

In Richard Wright's "Native Son," resonances with Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" are unmistakable, as both works delve into the systemic injustices endured by black Americans.

Stowe's narrative challenges the prevailing notion of justice, advocating for punitive measures against crimes targeting the black population (Peffley & Mondak 682). These literary endeavors starkly illuminate the acute problem of racism, debunking the notion that racism is either accidental or inevitable (Miller & Garran 27). While the canvas of racism was vivid in 1940, the persistence of these issues into contemporary times intensifies the urgency for ongoing attention and resolution.

Main Characters

At the narrative core of "Native Son" stands Bigger, a young black man whose actions, including the tragic demise of two women, thrust the story into a new trajectory. Sentenced to death, Bigger's journey becomes a canvas reflecting his response to the oppressive environment and the crimes that unfold. The author deftly endows Bigger with a tapestry of emotions that he grapples to articulate throughout the novel. Hindered not only by a dearth of suitable words but also by the constraints of his surroundings, Bigger wrestles with the profound depth of his emotions.

Mary Dalton, a wealthy white girl espousing fervently left-wing views, injects intricate layers into the narrative. Sympathetic to communism, she clandestinely rendezvouses with Jan, a prominent organizer of the Communist Party. Mary's attempt to comply with her parents' expectations, marked by a brief departure for Detroit, sets in motion a cascade of events. The decision to hire Bigger as a driver catalyzes the tragic turn of events, with Mary, under the guise of a university meeting, coercing Bigger into accompanying her to a session with Jan. The fateful night unfolds with Mary, in a state of intoxication, compelling Bigger to escort her to her room in her parents' house. Fearful of discovery by Mrs. Dalton, Bigger unintentionally precipitates Mary's demise as he covers her face with a pillow. While Mary's tragic fate is unveiled early in the book, her spectral presence lingers, haunting Bigger's emotional landscape throughout the novel.

In the intricate tapestry of "Native Son," Jan emerges as a dynamic force interwoven with the complexities of Mary's life, standing out as a fervent activist in the realm of communism. Contrary to Bigger's initial scheme to frame Jan, this committed communist sees an opportunity not only to aid Bigger but to utilize the situation as a stark illustration of the constrained agency black individuals face compared to their white counterparts. Jan's altruistic endeavors extend beyond personal relationships, aligning with a grander vision of organizing black communities based on communist principles, challenging figures like Mr. Dalton.

In this ideological ballet, Jan's noble aspirations encounter a reality check as he grapples with the intricacies of instigating genuine change. While his revolutionary spirit remains unwavering, the acknowledgment dawns that a genuine transformation requires a nuanced understanding of the lives led by black individuals. The resounding declaration, "We can't have a revolution without 'em" (Wright 74), encapsulates Jan's belief in the indispensable role of black individuals in steering the course of a revolution. However, Jan discerns that this comprehension demands a profound exploration into the experiences of dark-skinned individuals, surpassing his initial perceptions.

The author crafts Jan not merely as a catalyst for societal change but as a visionary youth driven by the desire to revolutionize the world. Jan's journey unfolds not only within the realms of political upheaval but also in a profound quest for empathy and a deeper comprehension of the human experience. As the narrative unfurls, Jan's character metamorphoses, encapsulating the challenges, contradictions, and lofty aspirations inherent in the pursuit of a revolution that encompasses the struggles of all individuals, transcending the boundaries of skin color.

Symbolism

Within the intricate narrative of "Native Son," the rich tapestry of symbolism unfolds, prominently featuring a rat positioned as a parallel to the main character, Bigger. "Put that box in front of the hole so he can't get out!" resonates within the pages, serving as a metaphor for Bigger's entrapment, driven into a metaphorical cage by the pervasive theme of racism (Wright 16). Much like a rat confined to a cage, Bigger grapples with the constraints imposed by societal forces beyond his control.

Another layer of symbolism weaves through the presence of a white cat, a reflection of white-skinned individuals. In this symbolic interplay, the cat emerges as a creature of greater prestige than a rat, accentuating the weight and significance attached to both symbols. The white cat becomes a visual manifestation of the white-skinned population, further underscoring the stark social stratification and power dynamics at play.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of "Native Son," the author masterfully directs attention to the enduring issue of racism and racial discrimination, a theme that reverberates with contemporary significance. The author's impassioned stance on this issue echoes through the characters, their actions, and the ensuing consequences thoughtfully portrayed in the narrative. Beyond character dynamics, the gravity of the situation is accentuated by the symbols woven throughout the work, inviting readers to unravel the nuanced layers of meaning embedded within.

In conclusion, "Native Son" stands as a compelling exploration of the societal malaise of racism, a concern that stubbornly endures. The author's adept use of symbolism serves as a sophisticated lens through which readers can glean profound insights. For those fervently engaged in the discourse on racism, this book emerges as a poignant recommendation, offering not only a narrative odyssey but also a reflective expedition into the intricate nuances of prejudice and discrimination.