Native Son, Richard Wright

Historical and Cultural Context

Upon reaching northern cities like Chicago, African Americans often encountered a new set of challenges. Despite escaping the overt racism of the South, they found themselves relegated to crowded ghettos, facing fresh discrimination in housing and employment. The cultural tension this fostered occasionally erupted into violence, as seen in events like the 1919 Chicago Race Riot. These urban centres were melting pots of conflicting aspirations and prejudices.

Amidst this backdrop, the literary world was undergoing its own evolution. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s had celebrated black talent and artistry, but by the 1930s, its vibrancy waned due to economic hardships. A rising trend in literature was realism, an approach that depicted life's gritty truths. Richard Wright's Native Son captured this essence, providing an unvarnished look at black urban life. Additionally, Wright's association with the Communist Party, which sought to address racial and class inequalities, influenced his writings.

Questions

1. What event in the early 20th century saw nearly 6 million African Americans move from the South to the North?

A. The Great Expedition

B. The Gold Rush

C. The Great Migration

D. The Big Shift

2. Why did many African Americans move to northern cities like Chicago?

A. For holidaying purposes

B. Due to the appeal of urban fashion

C. To escape oppressive Jim Crow laws

D. To engage in agricultural activities

3. What event highlighted Chicago's racial divisions in the early 20th century?

A. The Chicago Cultural Festival

B. The Chicago Marathon

C. The Chicago Jazz Concert

D. The 1919 Chicago Race Riot

4. Which literary movement in the 1920s celebrated black talent?

A. The Chicago Renaissance

B. The Harlem Renaissance

C. The Brooklyn Boom

D. The New York Novella Movement

Discussion

How do you think Bigger Thomas might feel living in Chicago in the 1930s?

Further reading

1. Algeo, Ann. The Courtroom as Forum: Homicide Trials by Dreiser, Wright, Capote, and Mailer. Peter Lang, 1996. Algeo explores the depiction of courtroom homicide trials in works by four notable authors.

2. Beauvais, Paul Jude. Richard Wright’s Native Son. Chelsea House, 1988. Beauvais provides an in-depth analysis of Richard Wright's iconic novel.

3. Brignano, Russell C. Richard Wright: An Introduction to the Man and His Works. University of Pittsburgh Press, 1970. Brignano offers an introduction to Richard Wright's life and literary contributions.

4. DuBois, W. E. B. The Souls of Black Folk. Bantam Books, 1989. In this seminal work, DuBois explores the lived experiences and challenges of Black individuals in the U.S.

5. Felgar, Robert. Richard Wright. Twayne Publishers, 1980. Felgar's book serves as a comprehensive overview of Richard Wright's life and literary career.

6. Gates, Henry Louis, Jr., and K. A. Appiah, eds. Richard Wright: Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Amistad Press, 1993. Gates and Appiah curate a collection of critical essays that shed light on various aspects of Richard Wright's works.

7. Kinnamon, Kenneth, ed. Critical Essays on Richard Wright’s Native Son. Twayne Publishers, 1997. Kinnamon compiles critical essays that explore the intricacies of Wright's Native Son

8. Miller, Eugene E. Voice of a Native Son: The Poetics of Richard Wright. University Press of Mississippi, 1990. Miller examines the unique poetic voice and style of Richard Wright in his various literary pieces.