In the 1930’s novel Native Son, Richard Wright illustrates the notion that racism forces the oppressed into a fearful and violent state of mind. Bigger, a “native son” in his own community, is challenged by the “collective white force” who not only mould his character but also strip him of a sense of worth and authority over his own life. Wright uses the internal isolation of Bigger Thomas as the foundation of Bigger’s search for power and quest for identity.
Bigger’s violent and fearful attitude towards the “collective white force” in the American society stems from a deprivation of power. Bigger reveals his innermost feelings when he professes, “They own everything. They choke you off the face of the earth. They like God…’ he swallowed,
Bigger’s violent and fearful attitude towards the “collective white force” in the American society stems from a deprivation of power. Bigger reveals his innermost feelings when he professes, “They own everything. They choke you off the face of the earth. They like God…’ he swallowed,