Richard Wright marked the beginning of a new era in black fiction. He was one ofthe first American writers of his time to confront his readers with the effects of racism.Wright had a way of telling his reader about his own life through his writing. He is bestknown for his novel, Native Son, which is deeply rooted in his personal life and the timesin which he lived. This paper will discuss this outstanding American writer, his highlyacclaimed novel, Native Son, and how his life influenced his writing.Richard Nathaniel Wright, was born on September 4, 1908 in Roxie, Mississippi. His father was a sharecropper and his mother a schoolteacher. In search for betteremployment his father moved the family to Memphis, Tennessee. While in Memphis, hisfather worked as a night porter in a hotel and his mother worked as a cook for aCaucasian family. Shortly after their move to Memphis, Wrights father deserted hisfamily. His mother then tried to find any work she could find to support her family. Then,at the age of seven his mother became ill and was unable to financially support her family. As a result, the family had to move to Jackson, Mississippi to live with relatives. Wrightremained in Jackson until 1925 (Walker, 13).In 1925, Wright left Jackson and headed as far as his money could take him, andthat was Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis was the exact same city in which his father hadtaken his family to find a better life and where he abandoned them. Wrights first trip toMemphis ended in disappointment, desertion, and deprivation. While there Wright foundwork as a messenger for an optical company. He lived in Memphis for approximatelytwo years. During that time, he witnessed the deep and violent South which eventuallywould permanently scar him for life. Margaret Walker wrote:I am convinced that the best of Richard Wrights fiction grew out of thefirst nineteen years of his life. All he ever wrote of great strength andterrifying beauty ...
