Native Son By Richard Wright Essay Example
Native Son By Richard Wright Essay Example

Native Son By Richard Wright Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (955 words)
  • Published: February 8, 2019
  • Type: Essay
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In his novel Native Son, Richard Wright skillfully portrays the development of Bigger.

Four specific individuals were used by him to create Bigger. These individuals, chosen by Wright, were known for their assertiveness, sometimes to an excessive extent. Despite their tragic outcomes, they played a significant role in shaping Wright's life, whether positively or negatively. Wright utilized his personal encounters with these individuals to shape Bigger's responses.

Bigger faced various social barriers to success, including poverty, the depression, and his own stubbornness. Like Wright's characters, Bigger reacted to his environment. An evident example of this is demonstrated when Bigger ruthlessly kills the rat by repeatedly striking it. This can be linked to the moment when Bigger No. 5 wielded a knife at the streetcar driver and fearlessl

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y demanded to be transferred to the colored car by boldly declaring "Make me."

My people, whom I am going to talk about, faced national and social challenges rather than the difficulties they didn't have to face. My Bigger No.1, who has had a significant influence on my life for 17 years and continues to do so, was born in the first year of the baby boom era. Despite enjoying a privileged childhood, circumstances changed after his high school graduation. He briefly attended college for six months before dropping out. During the mid-60s to late 70s, when the country was undergoing a transitional period, Bigger No.1 found himself right in the middle of it all and was old enough to be affected by these changes.

At this time, if a man aged 18 to 25 was not in college, he had to join the reserves or go to Vietnam, where the chances o

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death were high. Bigger No.1 had missed the registration date for the reserves and had no desire to participate in the war as he didn't believe in it. Like many men at the time, he felt fearful, particularly if they didn't support the cause. Bigger No.1's father had served in WWII and had a close call with death (while walking alongside another man in the jungle, they somehow switched positions and the other man was killed by a sniper just moments later).

1's father was in the Army and he joined the reserves, albeit one month late. Bigger No.1 had to serve in the reserve for a duration of 4 years. However, the main challenge was determining his future path during this time. He was uncertain about his aspirations and ended up working various jobs at a brewery. In addition, he actively participated in a couple of presidential campaigns for McGovern, supporting a cause he genuinely believed in. It was disheartening to witness some of his close childhood friends return from Vietnam with severe psychological trauma, struggling with alcoholism and constantly carrying firearms.

At 24 years old, he chose to continue his education and enrolled in a community college. He later transferred to Bradley University, where he encountered obstacles that required commitment to achieve high grades. Eventually, he successfully graduated with a degree in economics.

Bigger No. 1, with his extensive forty years of experience, has had a profound impact on my life. He greatly influenced my current situation by enabling me to excel in different sports during my childhood and attend Butler University. Regardless of the decisions I faced, like changing schools or starting college at a

community college, his guidance was always priceless.

He consistently stressed that the ultimate decision was mine to make, and he would back any choice I opted for. I am indebted to him for steering me towards wise decisions. Bigger No. 2 has also exerted a substantial impact on me, but over a duration of 19 years.

Although she was a baby boomer like him, her upbringing was not influenced by the country but rather by her family. Her father, who worked as a Delta pilot for 45 years, led them to relocate frequently, leading her to reside in various locations such as England, Texas, Florida, and even the Caribbean. Strangely enough, these seemingly amazing destinations did not bring her happiness.

Despite lacking support from her parents, she had to rely on herself to achieve her current accomplishments. At the age of 20, she chose to move out of her parents' home and live in her own apartment while continuing her education. Nevertheless, her parents did not allow her to stay with them. After only two years of college, she managed to obtain a position as a secretary for the state. Throughout her journey, she consistently relied on herself without any help from her family.

Despite being inconsequential, she consistently made her opinions known regarding societal and everyday matters. This fearlessness proved beneficial when confronted with individuals trying to impose their own beliefs, particularly in her role as a state worker. Having learned independence and self-reliance from an early age, she encouraged me to always express my feelings, even in seemingly insignificant situations like receiving a disappointing meal at a restaurant.

She believes that not standing up for one's beliefs allows

others to exploit and ignore their opinions, a lesson that has remained with me. Currently, she continues to express her thoughts on various subjects, sometimes inappropriately, but that is simply her authentic nature and will always be. While Wright featured four individuals, I opted to focus on two who exhibited commendable qualities in defending their convictions.

The original Bigger was influenced by his repressive and segregating surroundings. Although my people did not experience the exact hardships as Wright's did, they went through their own struggles in their own time. While my character may not have reacted in the exact same way as the original Bigger, he would still possess the same desires to achieve something meaningful in his life.

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