7-9 October 2008

Theme

REALISM & EXISTENTIALISM

Context

Here are Wikipedia definitions of Realism and Existentialism. Note how, in the introduction to our edition of Native Son, Arnold Rampersad classifies it as a work of urban naturalism on pgs. xi and xii.

Read "Richard Wright Stresses Realism in Dealing with Fictional Negro Types" (1945).

Review The Existentialist Primer.

Richard Wright | Native Son (1940)

Characters

Bigger Thomas, Mrs. Thomas, Vera Thomas, Mary Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. Dalton, Jan Erlone, Reverend Hammond, Boris A. Max, Bessie Mears, G.H., Gus and Jack.

Themes

Urbanity, race, gender, sexuality, religion, social construction, violence, education, desire, racism as affectation, media and popular culture, blindness and (in)sight.

Questions & Topics for Discussion

To what extent does Native Son exhibit the attributes of Realism and Existentialism? Cite specific examples.

What is the implication of the novel's title? Think about it in terms of nature vs. nurture. Refer to pg. 442 in "How Bigger Was Born."

Names are often important signifiers of identity in literature. What is the significance of the name "Bigger Thomas"?

Blindness and (in)sight are two of the novel's dominant themes. How do these themes inform the actions and desires of the main characters?

Read aloud the passage on pg. 60 describing Mrs. Dalton. What is significant about this passage? Why is Mrs. Dalton repeatedly equated with whiteness?

Read aloud the passage on pg. 69-70 in which Mary expresses her curiosity about black people. Is her curiosity noble or offensive? What about the Dalton's philanthropic endeavors?

Native Son is divided into three sections. What is the significance of these sections titles? How do they speak to the action in the novel?

What is the message rendered by the novel's conclusion? Is Wright's pessimistic tone an effective means of social protest? As "a product of a dislocated society" (446), is it Bigger's fault that he is a "cold-blooded killer"?

Assignments

Minitheme #2: Compose a minitheme on Native Son. DUE DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1:30 p.m.

Study Guide: Complete this study guide on Native Son and be prepared to discuss your responses in class. DUE DATE: Monday, Oct. 13, 5:00 p.m.