Native Son Oppression

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In Chicago during the 1930’s, African American’s were the minority. African American’s were technically “free” they were nonetheless trapped in the oppression of white society. Bigger was motivated by this way living by white society. In the beginning of Native Son, Bigger was enraged from white society because he felt hopeless and demoralized. Although as the story continues the plot takes a twist and leaves Bigger with total power. Bigger Thomas’ agony and anxiety towards white society is very prevalent and is made known throughout the story. The animosity of the racist, oppressed society that author Richard Wright, shows the reader that Bigger being closed out as effectively like society shut the door in his face. At the beginning …show more content…
Bigger is surrounded by whites he dangles his head towards the ground as if he is apologetic and talks as if he is whispering in a soft monotone voice. No one has precisely told Bigger to act in such a manner but he still does anyway. While his interview with Mr. Dalton for the chauffer job was taken place, Bigger had to sit in Mr. Dalton’s office while being asked numerous questions. Bigger enters to room, he comes in and stands there quietly with his head hanging and does not sit until instructed by Mr. Dalton. Bigger looks up a couple of times to glance at Mr. Dalton, but changes his eye location back to the floor when he notices Mr. Dalton looking back at him. He starts to think he had done something he was not supposed to and instantly gets enraged, doubtful and baffled. Wondering if he was doing right, because he thought this was the way whites wanted blacks to act. “There was an organic conviction in him that this was the way white folks wanted him to be when in their presence; none had ever told him that in so many words, but their manner had made him feel that they did.” (NS 50) Bigger gets angry with himself for feeling how he does. Whenever he is in the presence of whites his body just shuts down and forces him to act as such. Oppression and segregation have resulted in Bigger’s behavior that makes him feel as such. White people have made African Americans scared, hurt and worried because they do not know what is next to
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