THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF RACISM ON BIGGER THOMAS THESIS: Bigger Thomas represents the black man’s condition and his revolt against the injustices of the white caste society. A social symbol for Americans A. Victim of oppression B. Product of western cultureII. A fearing and hating individual A. Fear B. Hate 1. Hates whites for oppressing him 2. Hates Jan and Mary for making him uncomfortableIII. An unlovable character through behaviors A. Submits himself to destructive behavior B. Shows cowardly behaviorIV. A human search for freedom A. Bound by the stereotype “nigger” B. Freed through murder THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF RACISM ON BIGGER THOMAS When one looks at the contribution of blacks in the world of American literature, Richard Wright is considered one of the great contributors. Truly one of his books which highlights the black’s view of American society has to be Native Son. In Native Son, Richard Wright creates the characterization of “native sons” who are products of American civilization. From his own life experience, he portrays in Bigger Thomas a combination of character traits that illustrate persons who have lost meaning in their lives. Bigger Thomas represents the black man’s condition and his revolt against the injustices of the white caste society. Richard Wright creates Bigger Thomas into a social symbol for Americans by making him a victim of oppression. Bigger, as well as all other African Americans, is forced to live in poverty. He lives in a crowded, dirty apartment with his mother, brother, and sister. His only way of seeing the white world is through the lives of the Dalton family, his rich employers (Smith 392). An important f...
