Richard Wright’s “Native Son” is a novel that explores the themes of race, poverty, and crime. The book follows the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man living in 1930s Chicago who accidentally kills a wealthy white woman. Wright uses Bigger’s story as an allegory to highlight the systemic racism and oppression faced by Black Americans at the time.
Through Bigger’s experiences, Wright exposes the harsh reality of living in poverty and the psychological toll it takes on individuals. He also portrays the racial tensions and prejudice that existed between Black and white communities in Chicago during the 1930s.
In this article, the allegory of “Native Son” will be explored in greater detail. The themes and symbols used by Wright to convey his message will be analyzed, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the novel’s significance.
Background of “Native Son”
“Native Son” is a novel written by Richard Wright and published in 1940. The book is set in Chicago during the 1930s and tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young black man who accidentally kills a white woman and faces the consequences of his actions.
Wright was born in Mississippi in 1908 and grew up in poverty. His father abandoned the family when he was young, and his mother struggled to support him and his brother. Wright moved to Chicago in 1927 and began writing for the Communist Party’s newspaper, the Daily Worker.
“Native Son” was Wright’s first novel and quickly became a bestseller. The book was praised for its realistic portrayal of life for African Americans in Chicago during the Great Depression. However, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of violence and its use of racial stereotypes.
Despite the controversy, “Native Son” is now considered a classic of American literature and an important work in the African American literary tradition.
Richard Wright’s Use of Allegory
Richard Wright’s “Native Son” is a powerful novel that uses allegory to explore themes of race, identity, and power. Throughout the book, Wright uses symbolism and metaphor to convey complex ideas and emotions.
One example of Wright’s use of allegory can be found in the character of Bigger Thomas. Bigger is a young black man living in poverty in Chicago. He is angry and frustrated with his life and feels trapped by the racism and oppression he faces every day. Wright uses Bigger as a symbol of the larger struggle faced by black Americans in the early 20th century.
Another example of Wright’s use of allegory can be found in the character of Mary Dalton. Mary is a young white woman who tries to befriend Bigger, but her attempts only serve to highlight the power dynamics between black and white Americans. Mary can be seen as a symbol of the well-meaning but ultimately ineffective attempts of white Americans to address racial inequality.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
Bigger Thomas and the Black Experience
Bigger Thomas is the protagonist of the novel and serves as an allegorical figure for the black experience in America. His character represents the struggles and limitations that black people faced during the 1930s in Chicago. Bigger’s lack of education and opportunities reflect the systemic racism and poverty that shaped the lives of many black people during that time. His actions, including his violent outbursts, represent the frustration and anger that black people felt towards their oppression.
Mary Dalton and White Privilege
Mary Dalton is the daughter of Bigger’s employer and represents white privilege in the novel. Her character is portrayed as naive and ignorant of the struggles that black people face. Mary’s attempts to befriend Bigger and treat him as an equal are misguided and demonstrate her lack of understanding of the racial divide in America. Her actions ultimately lead to her death, highlighting the dangers of white privilege and the consequences of not acknowledging the experiences of marginalized communities.
Boris Max and Legal Representation
Boris Max is a Jewish lawyer who represents Bigger in court and serves as an allegorical figure for legal representation. His character represents the hope that marginalized communities can find justice through the legal system. Boris’s dedication to defending Bigger despite the overwhelming evidence against him demonstrates the importance of legal representation for those who are often unjustly accused and convicted.
Major Themes and Symbols
Fear and Power
One of the major themes in “Native Son” is fear and power. Bigger Thomas, the protagonist, is constantly afraid, both of the white people around him and of his own inability to control his actions. This fear leads him to lash out in violent ways, which only further reinforces the power dynamic between black and white people in 1930s Chicago. Throughout the novel, Wright uses imagery and symbolism to highlight the fear and power dynamic, such as the way that Bigger sees white people as “blind” and himself as a “monster.”
Blindness and Sight
Another important theme in “Native Son” is blindness and sight. Both Bigger and the white people around him are blinded by their own prejudices and preconceptions, which leads to tragic consequences. Bigger is unable to see a way out of the oppressive system he finds himself in, and the white people around him are unable to see him as a human being. Wright uses symbolism throughout the novel to highlight this theme, such as the way that Bigger is constantly trying to escape the “blind” eyes of the white people around him.
The Rat and Bigger’s Fate
Finally, the rat is an important symbol in “Native Son” that represents Bigger’s fate. Just as Bigger is trapped in a system that he cannot escape, the rat is trapped in a room with no way out. Bigger’s decision to kill the rat is symbolic of his own inability to escape his fate, and the way that he tries to cover up the crime is symbolic of the way that he tries to cover up his own actions throughout the novel. Ultimately, Bigger’s fate is sealed, just as the rat’s fate was sealed from the beginning.
Social Commentary in ‘Native Son’
Richard Wright’s ‘Native Son’ serves as a powerful social commentary on the racial divide and injustices prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century. The novel explores the life of Bigger Thomas, a young black man living in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Through Bigger’s experiences, Wright highlights the systemic racism and oppression faced by African Americans in the United States.
One of the most significant examples of social commentary in ‘Native Son’ is the portrayal of the criminal justice system. The novel shows how the justice system is biased against black people and how they are often falsely accused and punished for crimes they did not commit. Bigger’s trial and execution for the accidental death of Mary Dalton is a clear example of this injustice.
Furthermore, Wright also sheds light on the economic and social conditions faced by African Americans during the time. Bigger’s family lives in a cramped and dilapidated apartment, and he is forced to take on menial jobs to support his family. The novel also highlights the lack of educational and employment opportunities available to black people, which further perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
Allegorical Narrative Structure
Native Son by Richard Wright is a novel that uses an allegorical narrative structure to convey its themes. An allegory is a literary device that uses characters, events, and settings to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. In Native Son, Wright uses the character of Bigger Thomas to represent the African American experience in the United States.
Throughout the novel, Bigger’s experiences with racism, poverty, and violence serve as a metaphor for the systemic oppression that African Americans have faced in American society. The novel’s plot is structured around Bigger’s struggle to navigate a world that is hostile to his very existence.
One of the key features of the allegorical narrative structure in Native Son is the use of symbolism. Wright employs a variety of symbols throughout the novel to represent different aspects of the African American experience. For example, the rat that Bigger kills early in the novel can be seen as a symbol of his own powerlessness in the face of the forces that seek to control him.
Another important aspect of the allegorical narrative structure in Native Son is the use of irony. Wright uses irony to highlight the contradictions and injustices of American society. For example, the fact that Bigger is punished for killing Mary Dalton, a white woman, while the white men who have committed crimes against African Americans go unpunished, is a powerful commentary on the systemic racism that pervades American society.
Historical Context and Its Influence on Allegory
Richard Wright’s “Native Son” was published in 1940, at a time when segregation was still rampant in the United States. The book is set in the 1930s in Chicago and follows the story of Bigger Thomas, a young African American man who accidentally kills a white woman and is subsequently put on trial. The book explores themes of race, poverty, and violence, and is often hailed as a masterpiece of African American literature.
The historical context of the book is crucial to understanding its allegorical elements. Wright was writing at a time when African Americans were still fighting for their civil rights, and “Native Son” can be seen as a commentary on the systemic racism and oppression that they faced. Bigger Thomas is not just a character, but a symbol of the struggles and injustices that African Americans experienced on a daily basis.
The book also draws on the literary tradition of naturalism, which was popular in the early 20th century. Naturalism emphasizes the role of environment and social conditions in shaping human behavior, and “Native Son” is no exception. The poverty and violence of Bigger’s surroundings are portrayed in detail, and it is suggested that his actions are a direct result of the circumstances in which he finds himself.
Public Reception and Interpretation
Richard Wright’s “Native Son” has been widely acclaimed as a groundbreaking work of African American literature. However, it has also been the subject of controversy and criticism. The novel’s portrayal of race relations and violence has led some readers to question its message and intent.
Despite these criticisms, “Native Son” has remained a popular and influential work of literature. It has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into several films and stage productions. The novel’s themes of racism, poverty, and violence continue to resonate with readers today.
One of the most notable interpretations of “Native Son” is its allegorical significance. The novel has been seen as a commentary on the social and political climate of the United States during the early 20th century. Bigger Thomas, the novel’s protagonist, has been interpreted as a symbol of the African American experience in a society that is hostile to their existence.
Another interpretation of “Native Son” is its exploration of the human condition. The novel’s depiction of Bigger’s struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to have no place for him has been seen as a universal theme that transcends race and culture.
Modern Relevance of the Allegory
Richard Wright’s “Native Son” is an allegory that remains relevant in modern times. The novel portrays the struggles of the black community in America, highlighting the deep-seated racial tensions that exist in society. The story of Bigger Thomas, the protagonist, is a representation of the struggles that black people face in a society that is inherently racist.
The allegory of “Native Son” is still relevant today because racial tensions have not disappeared from society. Despite the progress that has been made over the years, there are still instances of discrimination and prejudice against the black community. The novel highlights the importance of understanding the experiences of others and the need to work towards a more inclusive society.
Furthermore, the allegory of “Native Son” is a reminder of the consequences of societal neglect and the need for change. The novel shows how the lack of opportunities and support for the black community can lead to a cycle of poverty and crime. This cycle can only be broken by addressing the root causes of the problem and providing equal opportunities for all.