Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week of November 14th--Native Son!
1. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the Thomas family. Describe this family and the conditions in which they live? Be descriptive and use concrete details!
2, The title of Book One is Fear, how is this title symbolic and prophetic at the same time? What was Wright's intention with this title?
3. What initial event happens in the beginning of the novel that is clearly a foreshadowing of events to come?
4. How does Bigger feel about his home and its surroundings?
5. Who are Bigger's friends and what event takes place that creates a level of aggression with these friends?
6. Who are the Dalton's, and where and how do they live?
2, The title of Book One is Fear, how is this title symbolic and prophetic at the same time? What was Wright's intention with this title?
3. What initial event happens in the beginning of the novel that is clearly a foreshadowing of events to come?
4. How does Bigger feel about his home and its surroundings?
5. Who are Bigger's friends and what event takes place that creates a level of aggression with these friends?
6. Who are the Dalton's, and where and how do they live?
1. The Thomas family is poor and their living conditions are very shabby and poor as well. As everyone in the family gets up from their beds, “The two boys kept their faces averted while their mother and sister put on enough clothes to keep them feeling ashamed.” (page four.) Obviously the family does not any heating system to keep them warm. Also, the rooms that they sleep in are very small. As Bigger tries his best to kill the rat, “The rat squeaked and turned and ran in a narrow circle…” (page five.) The Thomas family cannot hire an exterminator to the kill the rat since they do not have much money. Also, usually when a building is filled with rats, it means that the living condition of a place is not good. After Bigger got out of the house, he thought to himself, “He needed more money; if he did not get more than he had now he would not know what to do with himself…” (page thirteen.) Bigger himself does not have a job(least not yet.) Also, it is tough for Bigger and his family to get a job since the Great Depression is a time when jobs are scarce.
ReplyDelete2. The title, "Fear" is symbolic and prophetic at the same time because it reveals the protagonist leading to his downfall, as well as what happens to the protagonist later on in the story. Wright’s intension to the title of the chapter is to foreshadow and keep the reader thinking “what is it that is going to happen?” As Bigger and the college students made their way to the “white’s only zone”, “ It was a shadowy region, a No Man’s Land, the ground that separated the white world from the black that he stood upon.”(page sixty seven.) Bigger, the protagonist is afraid of getting himself into trouble. Also, this quote is foreshadowing the coming of Bigger’s “biggest mistake.” After his encounter with Mary, Bigger thought,” Now, what did that mean? She was on his side. What side was he on…” (page sixty four.) “Obviously in the story, Bigger is going to do something to Mary as the story continues to go on. Also, since Mary’s white, Bigger is not sure if he should trust her or not. After Bigger murdered Mary by mistake, “The reality of the room fell from him; the vast city of white people that sprawled outside took its place. She was dead and he had killed her.”(page eighty seven.) The fear building up inside Bigger foreshadows him getting into trouble with the police. Also, since African Americans get into more trouble for killing a white person(rather than a white person murdering an African America), Bigger knew for sure that the price he will have to pay will surely be high.
3. The initial event that happens in the story is Bigger and his brother going to kill the rat. After killing the rat, “ He(Bigger) kicked the splintered box out of the way and the flat black body of the rat lay exposed…”(page six.) The black rat symbolizes what will happen to Bigger later on in the story. Since Bigger himself is black, the rat could symbolize his own demise. As Bigger’s mother and his sister stood in fear, “Buddy (Bigger’s brother) ran to a wooden box and shoved it quickly in front of a gaping hole in the molding and then backed again to the door, holding the skillet ready.” (page five.) Buddy doing that action symbolizes the police trying to catch Bigger. Also, the skillet symbolizes the police’s/the white people’s own power against the African Americans. After Bigger fails to catch the rat the first time, “The force of his movement shook the rat loose and it sailed through the air and struck the wall.”(page five.) The rat being struck to the wall symbolizes Bigger getting himself into fear of being caught for murdering Mary (the daughter of Mr. Dalton, a white, wealthy person. )Also, the movement symbolizes the white people coming to get Bigger later on in the story when they found out about the murder of Mary Dalton. (Athena Baker, first time, part one.)
4. Bigger feels that he absolutely hates his home and wants to get out of there. After the incident with the rat, “‘He’s just crazy,’ the mother (Bigger’s mother) said. ‘ Just plain dumb black crazy.’”(page eight.) The comment made by the mother makes Bigger feel very depressed and angry over him. Also, it symbolizes Bigger getting into trouble with the police later on in the story. As Bigger listens to the angry words of his sister, “…’And mark my word, some of these days you going to set down and cry.’”(Vera, Bigger’s sister, page nine.) Bigger feels angry since he knew that what his sister said is true. He tries his best to be the best son a family could ever have(even though he cannot.) As Bigger eats his breakfast of egg and bacon, “…they were thinking of the job he was to get that evening…he felt that they had tricked him into a cheap surrender.”(page twelve.) Bigger throughout his entire life wants nothing more than to become rich and be like the white people with their wealth and fortunes. At the same time, he also wishes that he is never born into his own family of African Americans.
ReplyDelete5. Bigger’s friends are gang members and the event that takes place that creates a level of aggression between them is their plan to steal money from a white man named Old Blum. After Bigger listens to the plan Doc, “ Even though Bigger had asked Gus to be with him in the robbery, the fear that Gus would really go made the muscles of Bigger’s stomach tighten.”(page twenty five.) Bigger is trying to prove himself to a worthy member of the gang. Not only that, he hopes that with the job he will finally become wealthy quick and easy. While trying to cool his temper, Bigger thinks to himself, “He hated Gus because he knew that Gus was afraid, as even he was…” (page twenty five.) Bigger is afraid of stealing from a white person because he knows that he will get in trouble with the police. To him, if Gus is afraid, that means bigger will be afraid as well (therefore, Bigger cannot get the money to help make himself wealthy.) During the meeting, “Bigger did not answer. Gus passed him and started toward the ear tables. Bigger whirled and kicked him hard.”(page thirty seven.) Bigger has a really terrible temper. To him, Gus represents his own sensitivity and anxiety (which is what Bigger is trying to get rid of.)
6. The Daltons are white people who are in support of giving African Americas (and perhaps other colored people) more rights in America. They are very wealthy and live a luxurious lifestyle (as opposed to Bigger’s family.) After Mrs. Dalton greets Bigger, “He looked round the room; it was lit by dim lights…on the smooth walls were several paintings…” (page forty five.) The paintings in the room not only symbolize the family’s wealth, they also represent their acceptance on diversity in people. Also, the dim lights in the room represented the friendliness of the family towards African Americans (and people of different races alike.) After talking with Mr. Dalton about the job, Bigger thinks to himself, “ He hated himself at that moment…He wanted to wave his hand and bolt out the white man who was making him feel this.”(page forty seven.) The Dalton family obviously has great curiosity for African Americans. Not only that, deep down inside, they feel that it is a privilege for African Americans to work for white people. After rest assuring Bigger on his daughter’s strange personality, Mr. Dalton tells Bigger, “ …I’m a supporter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “(page fifty three.) Mr. Dalton is a kind and very thoughtful person to all races alike. Despite this kind statement however, Bigger still views the Daltons as the same type of white people who like to discriminate against African Americans.
(Athena Baker, first time, part two.)
1. The Thomas family is poor and there is no father to help Bigger get on the right path towards manhood. As for their living conditions, they mostly consist of a one roomed apartment, wooden planks that squeak, and thin walls. So overall their living conditions are very shabby. As everyone in the family gets up from their beds, “The two boys kept their faces averted while their mother and sister put on enough clothes to keep them from feeling ashamed.” (page four.) Since the home of the Thomas family is very small, obviously there is not much privacy. Usually people who own a lot of money and live a rather comfortable lifestyle would not have a problem with privacy. As Bigger tries his best to kill the rat, “ Bigger looked round the room…and grabbed two heavy iron skillets from a wall above a gas stove. He…called softly to his brother, his eyes glued to the trunk.” (page four.) Bigger is someone who is still a bit mentally immature for his grown up age. Even though he is still not ready to become “the man of the house”, his mother still believes that he should because for one, she loves Bigger as a son, and two, she is trying to treat Bigger like an adult. After Bigger got out of the house, he thought to himself, “He hated his family because he knew he was powerless to help them.” (page ten.) Because of the death of his father, Bigger is unsure about what is it he should do to help support his own family. His own mother cannot go out and get herself a job because for one, jobs are scarce, and two, it is customary for women to help take care of the house while the husband is away at work.
ReplyDelete2. The title, Fear is symbolic and prophetic at the same time because it reveals the fact that the protagonist(Bigger), will eventually face a terrible fate. Also, it symbolizes the inner emotions of Bigger himself. Wright’s intension to the title of the chapter is to foreshadow and keep the reader thinking “what is it that will lead Bigger to his downfall?” As Bigger listens to the plan of his friends Gus, Doc., and G.H. deep down inside, “…the fear that Gus would really go made the muscles of Bigger’s stomach tighten; he was hot all over.”(page twenty five.) Bigger is trying to act tough so his friends would not think he’s nothing but a scardy cat. However, knowing the consequences of helping his friends commit the crime makes him nervous it would not only mean he would bring more shame on his family, it also means that he would bring shame onto himself. After his encounter with Mary, Bigger thought,” Now, what did that mean? She was on his side. What side was he on…” (page sixty four.) “ As the story continues on, Bigger starts feeling more and more anxiety about the decisions he makes later on. Also, Bigger, in a way is starting to feel more distrust among the people he interacts with because of all the risky decisions he is making. After Bigger murdered Mary by mistake, “The reality of the room fell from him; the vast city of white people that sprawled outside took its place. She was dead and he had killed her.”(page eighty seven.) The fear building up inside Bigger foreshadows him getting into trouble with the police. Also, since African Americans get into more trouble for killing a white person(rather than a white person murdering an African America), Bigger knew for sure that the price he will have to pay will surely be high.
(Athena Baker, second time, part one.)
3. The initial event that happens in the story is Bigger killing the rat. After killing the rat, “ He(Bigger) kicked the splintered box out of the way and the flat black body of the rat lay exposed…”(page six.) Just like the rat, Bigger two feels trapped because of all the segregation that has been circling around him for his entire life. For all his life, Bigger wants to do more than just simply get a job(but of course, the Jim Crow laws keeps African Americans like Bigger from performing occupations that white people usually do, for example, pilot.) As Bigger’s mother and his sister stand in fear, “Buddy (Bigger’s brother) ran to a wooden box and shoved it quickly in front of a gaping hole in the molding and then backed again to the door, holding the skillet ready.” (page five.) Buddy helping Bigger with the “assassination” of the rat symbolizes Bigger’s need of a father. Since Bigger does not have a father, Bigger does not have any clue on what it means to be a man. After Bigger fails to catch the rat the first time, “With clenched teeth, Bigger held the skillet; he was afraid to hurl it, fearing that he might miss.” (page five.) The rat being killed by Bigger symbolizes Bigger feeling hopeless that his dream of becoming shall never come true. Also, since both the rat and Bigger are scared of each other, it is clearly obvious that both of these two characters are rather, “mirrored images” of each other.
ReplyDelete4. Bigger feels that he absolutely hates his home because he feels like he cannot do anything to help them. Also, he feels that no one in his family respects his dream of wanting to be more than just a simple husband who goes off to work and makes money for the entire family. After the incident with the rat, “‘He’s just crazy,’ the mother (Bigger’s mother) said. ‘ Just plain dumb black crazy.’”(page eight.) The comment made by the mother makes Bigger feel very depressed and angry over himself. It symbolizes Bigger getting into trouble with the police later on in the story. As Bigger listens to the angry words of his sister, Vera, “…’And mark my word, some of these days you going to set down and cry.’”(Vera, Bigger’s sister, page nine.) Bigger, knowing that what his sister said is true, feels furious not only at his family, but at himself as well. He wanted a chance to prove himself worthy (not just for his family, but for himself as well.) As Bigger eats his breakfast of egg and bacon, “…they were thinking of the job he was to get that evening…he felt that they had tricked him into a cheap surrender.”(page twelve.) Bigger does not want to take the occupation because he does not understand what it means to be a grown man. Also, he feels that the occupation he will get will be something he does not enjoy (so he is more than likely to get fired or even quit during the first few days.) (Athena Baker, second time, part two.)
5. Bigger’s friends are African American gang members named Gus, Doc., and G.H. The event that takes place that creates a level of aggression between them is their plan to steal money from a white man named Old Blum. After Bigger listens to the plan Doc, “ Even though Bigger had asked Gus to be with him in the robbery, the fear that Gus would really go made the muscles of Bigger’s stomach tighten.”(page twenty five.) Bigger is trying to prove himself to a worthy member of the gang. Not only that, he hopes that with the job he will finally become wealthy quick and easy. While trying to cool his temper, Bigger thinks to himself, “He hated Gus because he knew that Gus was afraid, as even he was…” (page twenty five.) Bigger is afraid of stealing from a white person because he knows that he will get in trouble with the police. To him, if Gus is afraid, that means bigger will be afraid as well (therefore, Bigger cannot get the money to help make himself wealthy.) During the meeting, “Bigger did not answer. Gus passed him and started toward the ear tables. Bigger whirled and kicked him hard.”(page thirty seven.) Bigger has a really terrible temper. To him, Gus represents his own sensitivity and anxiety (which is what Bigger is trying to get rid of.)
ReplyDelete6. The Daltons are white people who are in support of giving African Americas (and perhaps other colored people) more rights in America. They are very wealthy and live a luxurious lifestyle (as opposed to Bigger’s family.) After meeting Mary Dalton unexpectedly, Bigger thinks to himself, “ He knew knowing about unions, except that they were considered bad. And what did she(Mary) mean by talking to him this way…”(page fifty two.) Obviously white people (including the whites) are very knowledgeable at the time, considering how they could afford to get their “news” in different ways (no television or computer however. ) Of course, there are the Jim Crow laws in the South which keeps African Americans like Bigger from ever getting an education or knowing what is really going on in the world(besides what is usually in the advertisements and rumors.) After talking with Mr. Dalton about the job, Bigger thinks to himself, “ He hated himself at that moment…He wanted to wave his hand and bolt out the white man who was making him feel this.”(page forty seven.) The Dalton family obviously has great curiosity for African Americans. Not only that, deep down inside, they feel that it is a privilege for African Americans to work for white people. After rest assuring Bigger on his daughter’s strange personality, Mr. Dalton tells Bigger, “ …I’m a supporter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “(page fifty three.) Despite the amount of kindness Mrs. Dalton shows Bigger, he still views the Daltons as the same type of white people who like to discriminate against African Americans. Because of the way he is mistreated by white people in the past, Bigger has absolutely no trust for any of the members of the Dalton family. (Athena Baker, second time, part three.)
1. The Thomas family is in poverty and fatherless (so Bigger has to take on a role in which he is not mentally prepared for.) Also, Bigger’s mother tends to treat him as a child while at the same time treats him like he has the biggest responsibility in the family. As for his sister, Vera, she has absolutely no faith in Bigger. As for Bigger’s younger brother, Buddy, he mostly cares for Bigger and treats as if he were really part of the family. As for their living conditions, they mostly consist of a one roomed apartment filled with wooden planks that squeak, thin walls that can make rats chew through them easily, and two iron beds (one for Buddy and Bigger, and one for Bigger’s mother and sister.) As everyone in the family gets up from their beds, “The two boys kept their faces averted while their mother and sister put on enough clothes to keep them from feeling ashamed.” (page four.) Since the home of the Thomas family is very small, obviously there is not much privacy. Also, with the whole home being one roomed, obviously that must be the same for the conditions of other African Americans at that time. As Bigger thinks about how much he hates his family, “The song irked him and he was glad when she stopped and came into the room with a pot of coffee and a plate or crinkled bacon. ” (page ten.) Usually in a family that owns a lot of money, breakfast would consist of more than just coffee and crinkled bacon. Also, even though Bigger feels like his family hates him, deep down inside, his mother still loves him and only wants to do what she thinks is best for him. After Bigger got out of the house, he thought to himself, “He hated his family because he knew he was powerless to help them.” (page ten.) Because of the death of his father, Bigger is unsure about what is it he should do to help support his own family. His own mother cannot go out and get herself a job because for one, jobs are scarce, and two, it is customary for women to help take care of the house while the husband is away at work.
ReplyDelete2. The title, Fear is symbolic and prophetic at the same time because it reveals the fact that the protagonist(Bigger), will eventually face a terrible fate. Also, it symbolizes the inner emotions of Bigger himself. Wright’s intension to the title of the chapter is to foreshadow and keep the reader thinking “what is it that will lead Bigger to his downfall?” As Bigger listens to the plan of his friends Gus, Jack, and G.H. deep down inside, “…the fear that Gus would really go made the muscles of Bigger’s stomach tighten; he was hot all over.”(page twenty five.) Bigger is trying to act tough so his friends would not think he’s nothing but a scardy cat. However, knowing the consequences of helping his friends commit the crime makes him nervous because it would mean that he would being shame onto himself. After his encounter with Mary, Bigger thought,” Now, what did that mean? She was on his side. What side was he on…” (page sixty four.) “Bigger has distrust for Mary because she is white (in the past, Bigger has terrible encounters with white people.) Also, Bigger, in a way is starting to feel more distrust among the people he interacts with because of all the risky decisions he is making. While trying to kill the rat, deep down inside, “…he (Bigger) was afraid to hurl it, fearing that he might miss. The rat squeaked and turned and ran in a narrow circle.”(page five.) Both the rat and Bigger being scared of each other symbolizes the fate that may occur to Bigger later on in the book. Since fear is taking place in the story, it is clearly obvious that terrible events will happen as the story continues on. (Athena Baker, third time, part one.)
3. The initial event that happens in the story is Bigger killing the rat. After killing the rat, “ He(Bigger) kicked the splintered box out of the way and the flat black body of the rat lay exposed…”(page six.) Just like the rat, Bigger two feels trapped because of all the segregation that has been circling around him for his entire life. For all his life, Bigger wants to do more than just simply get a job, but of course, the Jim Crow laws keeps African Americans like Bigger from performing occupations that white people usually do( for example, pilot.) As Bigger’s mother and his sister stand cowering in fear of the rat, “Buddy (Bigger’s brother) ran to a wooden box and shoved it quickly in front of a gaping hole in the molding and then backed again to the door, holding the skillet ready.” (page five.) Buddy helping Bigger with the “assassination” of the rat symbolizes Bigger’s need of a father. Since Bigger does not have a father, Bigger does not have any clue on what it means to be a man. After Bigger fails to catch the rat the first time, “With clenched teeth, Bigger held the skillet; he was afraid to hurl it, fearing that he might miss.” (page five.) The rat being killed by Bigger symbolizes Bigger feeling hopeless that his dream of becoming shall never come true. Also, since both the rat and Bigger are scared of each other, it is clearly obvious that both of these two characters are rather, “mirrored images” of each other.
ReplyDelete4. Bigger feels that he absolutely hates his home because he feels like he cannot do anything to help them. Also, he feels that no one in his family respects his dream of wanting to be more than just a simple husband who goes off to work and makes money for the entire family. After the incident with the rat, “‘He’s just crazy,’ the mother (Bigger’s mother) said. ‘ Just plain dumb black crazy.’”(page eight.) The comment made by the mother makes Bigger feel very depressed and angry over himself. It creates the suspense of Bigger getting into trouble with the police later on in the story. As Bigger listens to the angry words of his sister, Vera, “…’And mark my word, some of these days you going to set down and cry.’”(Vera, Bigger’s sister, page nine.) Bigger, knowing that what his sister said is true, feels furious not only at his family, but at himself as well. For all his life, Bigger tries to prove himself very worthy in the eyes of himself and in other people(but of course he fails to do so.) As Bigger eats his breakfast of egg and bacon, “…they were thinking of the job he was to get that evening…he felt that they had tricked him into a cheap surrender.”(page twelve.) Bigger does not want to take the occupation because he does not understand what it means to be a grown man. Also, he feels that the occupation he will get will be something he does not enjoy (so he is more than likely to get fired or even quit during the first few days.)
(Athena Baker, third time, part two.)
5. Bigger’s friends are African American gang members named Gus, Jack, and G.H. The event that takes place that creates a level of aggression between them is their plan to steal money from a white man named Old Blum. After Bigger listens to the plan Doc, “ Even though Bigger had asked Gus to be with him in the robbery, the fear that Gus would really go made the muscles of Bigger’s stomach tighten.”(page twenty five.) Bigger is trying to prove himself to a worthy member of the gang. Not only that, he hopes that he will finally become rich so he shall prove to his mother and Vera that he really is a assumed somebody.. While trying to cool his temper, Bigger thinks to himself, “He hated Gus because he knew that Gus was afraid, as even he was…” (page twenty five.) Bigger is afraid of stealing from a white person because he knows that he will get in trouble with the police. To him, if Gus is afraid, that means bigger will be afraid as well (therefore, Bigger cannot get the money to help make himself wealthy.) During the meeting, “Bigger did not answer. Gus passed him and started toward the ear tables. Bigger whirled and kicked him hard.”(page thirty seven.) No one tries to stop Bigger from getting himself into trouble because they are afraid of Bigger. Also, it turns out that Gus, Jack, and G.H. do not really want to be friends with Bigger.
ReplyDelete6. The Daltons are white people who are in support of giving African Americas (and perhaps other colored people) more rights in America. They are very wealthy and live a luxurious lifestyle (as opposed to Bigger’s family.) After meeting Mary Dalton unexpectedly, Bigger thinks to himself, “ He knew knowing about unions, except that they were considered bad. And what did she(Mary) mean by talking to him this way…”(page fifty two.) Obviously white people care a big deal about communism since it has a great affect on their lives. Also, since Bigger, his family, and other African Americans at the time are poor, to them, the whole business on communism and Nationalism is pure nonsense. After talking with Mr. Dalton about the job, Bigger thinks to himself, “ He hated himself at that moment…He wanted to wave his hand and bolt out the white man who was making him feel this.”(page forty seven.) The Dalton family has great curiosity for African Americans. Not only that, deep down inside, they feel that it is a privilege for African Americans to work for white people (which is the typical stereotype that white people themselves think of African Americans.) After rest assuring Bigger on his daughter’s strange personality, Mr. Dalton tells Bigger, “ …I’m a supporter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “(page fifty three.) Despite the amount of kindness Mrs. Dalton shows Bigger, he still views the Daltons as the same type of white people who like to discriminate against African Americans. Mr. Dalton himself is a bit naïve and optimistic since he two got himself in trouble when he was a child.
(Athena Baker, third time, part three.)
AVERY DARGIE (FIRST TIME)
ReplyDelete1. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the Thomas family. Describe this family and the conditions in which they live? Be descriptive and use concrete details!
"Thinly plastered walls of the room...tiny, one-bedroom apartment...darted to a curtain and swept it aside and grabbed two heavy iron skillets from a wall above a gas stove." (pg.4) They lived in a small apartment, that had holes in the walls where rats could come through and reek havoc on the Thomas family. They don't have a lot of money, so having a real home is nearly impossible.
2, The title of Book One is Fear, how is this title symbolic and prophetic at the same time? What was Wright's intention with this title?
To show was hidden fear Bigger Thomas is facing...that he is afraid that he wont be able to take care of his family and achieve his dreams, which is to be able to make money and provide for his family. He also wants to be in a level of equality with the white folk.
3. What initial event happens in the beginning of the novel that is clearly a foreshadowing of events to come? The event with the rats. It showed that Bigger has a huge challenge to overcome and it scares his family if he were to fail.
4. How does Bigger feel about his home and its surroundings?
BIGGER HATES IT. He wants to live a life like a white person in the time and age.
5. Who are Bigger's friends and what event takes place that creates a level of aggression with these friends?
The boys think they are so cool, and they go play pool at Doc's place. "hes just scared to rob a white man." "Bigger whirled and kicked him hard. Gus flopped on his face with a single movement of his body." The boys want to have power over their clique of friends.
1. Bigger’s family consists of his brother, sister and mom. They live in, what is described as a one-bedroom apartment that only has two beds in it. Also there’s s a rat in the room, which could symbolize how dirty and dingy the place is and also how poor the Thomas family are.
ReplyDelete2. In my opinion, bigger is sort of a character that symbolizes most blacks at the time. He symbolizes how afraid they were of the world and of the overall fear that was instilled in each African American at this time period. In this chapter, Bigger faces many things he is afraid of (the rat, Mary Dalton, etc.) and he also admits he is afraid of the world and himself. It can be considered prophetic because the thing he fears the most (Mary) is what he is associating with the most in the chapter and she is what is going to most likely lead to his downfall.
3. A key thing that happen to me is that Bigger is introduced to Mary first when he see’s her in the movie and he begins to show an interest in her. His interest in her was what made him suffocate her and eventually put her in the furnace. Another thing that foreshadows events to come is that Bigger learns how to work the furnace and thinks that he is going to have fun doing it.
4. Bigger hates his life, he feels that he is trapped and that there is no way to escape. The rat symbolizes Bigger, because he is stuck in the house and is trapped there until he is killed. Bigger also feels oppressed by the whites and feels as if he is never going to be able to escape and do what he really wants to do (fly planes).
5. Bigger’s friends are: Jack, Gus and G.H. At first Bigger and Gus get along very well, but this soon changes. When Bigger brings up how they were going to rob a white man and Gus shows that he is scared, Bigger attacks him. He does this because Bigger too is scared and is being called out in a way by Gus, which makes him look bad in front of his friends.
6. The Daltons are a family that support the black community and have given generous amounts of money to them. They are the family that hires Bigger and also the ones who lead to his downfall. Their daughter, Mary, is the one who is killed by Bigger. They live in a large mansion that is located not too far from where Bigger lives.
Cypress Austin- First time
1. Bigger and his family live in a small, one-roomed apartment with two beds and a stove. There are two people per bed and there is no bathroom because Buddy and Bigger have to turn around when the mother or Vera have to change. There is also a table to eat at and a stove that the mother cooks on. The Thomas family lives very poorly and survives off of what the mom makes. The reader can tell that their living space is small and dirty because the family shares the apartment with a large rat.
ReplyDelete2. I think the title is symbolic because most things Bigger faces in the book he fears. This is the chapter where is steps out into the world and has to get a job to provide for his family. Amongst the many things he fears, he mostly expresses it towards the action he commits at the end of book one; killing Mary Dalton. The text reads, “He felt that his murder of her was more than amply justified by the fear and shame she had made him feel. It seemed that her actions had evoked fear and shame in him”(p. 114). There are also countless times in the text where Bigger mentions that he is living in a world he fears and hates.
3. As soon as bigger sees Mary in the movie at the beginning of the book he shows interest in her. He even masturbates in the movie theatre as he watches her on the big screen. The text reads, “Ah, them rich white women’ll go to bed with anybody, from a poodle on up. They even have their chauffeurs”(p.33), which basically states that white women will sleep with any one, even their servants. This is important because Bigger almost rapes Mary before Ms. Dalton walks in and he suffocates her. Another event that foreshadows events to come in the story is when Bigger is introduce to the furnace and thinks “it was easy; it would be fun, almost,”(p.58) as Peggy teaches him how to work the furnace.
4. Bigger feels like he is the rat that was trapped in his house; feels like there is no escape from his reality, other than death. His fight with the rat is highly symbolic of the way he feels about his surroundings. He knows him and his people are oppressed and that he may never be given a chance to fulfill his dream, which is to pilot a plane. He also feels annoyed with the people in the house, in particular his mother and his sister, Vera. His mother is always on his back about getting a job and become a man, while his sister and him argue about petty stuff. The reader learns that one of the only people Bigger genuinely trusts is his younger brother, Buddy.
5. Bigger has three “friends”: Jack, Gus and G.H. What happens that lead to a level of aggression between them is the scuffle that takes place between Bigger and Gus. It all started because Bigger wanted to rob a white man, but he knew that Gus was scared which made Bigger “hate” him. Bigger also knew that if Gus did go through with it, Bigger himself might coward out, because he too, was scared. What happens is that Gus basically calls him out and when Bigger feels nervous or embarrassed, he resorts to violence.
6. The Daltons are a very rich, white family who support African Americans. They live not too far from Bigger, but in a predominantly white neighborhood. Their living conditions are almost the complete opposite of Bigger’s families’. They live a large, spacious house, almost mansion that they have a personal maid to clean.
Cypress Austin- Second time
1. Bigger and his family live in a small, one-roomed apartment that hardly can hardly accommodate all of them. The text reads, “There was no rug on the floor and the plastering on the walls and ceiling hung loose in many places. There were two iron beds, four chairs, and old dresser, and a drop-leaf table on which they ate. This was much different from the Dalton’s home. Here all slept in one room; there he would have a room for himself alone. He smelt food cooking and remembered that one could not smell food cooking in Dalton’s home; pots could not be heard rattling all over the house….He hated this room and all of the people in it, including himself.”(p. 105). On top of all of this, in the first few pages the reader sees that there is a large rat that was trapped in the room, indicating how small, dirty and dingy it is.
ReplyDelete2. This title is symbolic because it is Bigger’s most felt emotion throughout the entire story. It is prophetic because the title is introduced before the reader essentially knows what Bigger really fears at the end of the chapter, it sort of prophesizes what is going to happen. I think Wright’s intention with this title was to emphasize the importance of fear in this chapter and also to indicate to the reader what to really look out for and notice in the story. Bigger feels fear everyday because of white people, life in general and the world.
3. A clear event that foreshadows an event to come is Bigger masturbating to Mary when he see’s her in a movie. The text reads, “Ah, them rich white women’ll go to bed with anybody, from a poodle on up. They even have their chauffeurs”(p.33). This could show that he already had intention to try and sleep with her or at least had the idea in his mind. He also shows interest in the furnace when he is introduced to it by Peggy.
4. Bigger feels exactly like the rat does at the beginning of the story; trapped with no way out. A quote from the text reads “He hated this room and all of the people in it, including himself.”(p. 105). Obviously the two predominant emotions that govern his life are fear and hate. This is what he expresses towards whites because they are the reason he feels trapped with no escape, because they are the ones oppressing him and his people.
5. Jack, G.H. and Gus are the three friends Bigger has in this story. The event that takes place that leads to a level of aggression between them is the fight that takes place between Bigger and Gus. What all starts this fight is the plan that the four of them had to rob a white man, an act they had never done before. Gus was the only one of them who publicly displayed his fear of doing this, even though all of them feared robbing a white man, especially Bigger. Gus calls out Bigger for being scared, which in turn makes Bigger angry and leads Bigger to attack him. Bigger takes his anger out on Gus because he is scared.
6. The Daltons are a very wealthy family who live relatively close to Bigger. This is the family that hires Bigger and whose daughter is killed by Bigger. Ms. Dalton especially loves African Americans and donated over 5 million dollars to black schools. The Dalton’s live in a nice, spacious mansion, which is almost the complete opposite of Bigger’s house, and they have a maid and a chauffeur.
Cypress Austin- Third time
AVERY DARGIE (SECOND TIME)
ReplyDelete1. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the Thomas family. Describe this family and the conditions in which they live? Be descriptive and use concrete details!
At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the Thomas family. Describe this family and the conditions in which they live? Be descriptive and use concrete details!
"Thinly plastered walls of the room...tiny, one-bedroom apartment...darted to a curtain and swept it aside and grabbed two heavy iron skillets from a wall above a gas stove." (pg.4) They lived in a small apartment, that had holes in the walls where rats could come through and reek havoc on the Thomas family. They don't have a lot of money, so having a real home is nearly impossible.
2. The title of Book One is Fear, how is this title symbolic and prophetic at the same time? What was Wright's intention with this title?
To show was hidden fear Bigger Thomas is facing...that he is afraid that he wont be able to take care of his family and achieve his dreams, which is to be able to make money and provide for his family. He also wants to be in a level of equality with the white folk. Another one of Wright’s intentions was because of Bigger’s fear when he was having to conceal Mary’s body, by putting her in a trunk and cutting off her head to put into the furnace.
3. What initial event happens in the beginning of the novel that is clearly a foreshadowing of events to come?
The event with the rats. It showed that Bigger has a huge challenge to overcome and it scares his family if he were to fail.
4. How does Bigger feel about his home and its surroundings?
BIGGER HATES IT. He wants to live a life like a white person in the time and age. Bigger doesn’t like that they are pushed together to live one street away from the white folk and not be able to even look in their direction without being told that they are up to no good. Bigger wants to be a pilot but can only achieve that with an education that he is not able to get because he is a negro and doesn’t have the money for it.
5. Who are Bigger's friends and what event takes place that creates a level of aggression with these friends?
The boys think they are so cool, and they go play pool at Doc's place. "hes just scared to rob a white man." "Bigger whirled and kicked him hard. Gus flopped on his face with a single movement of his body." The boys want to have power over their clique of friends, so they will smack each other around to show, which has power. But Bigger also hopes that when it comes to robbing a white man that one of his friends will back down so he can blame them, yet he really doesn’t want to rob the white man.
6. Who are the Dalton's, and where and how do they live?
The Dalton family is a family that has millions of dollars from doing real estate. They live in a very nice home with a car, who they hire Bigger to drive them around in. The house is huge and there are seven known people living in the Dalton’s estate: Henry Dalton (married to Mrs. Dalton, owns the house, real estate marketer, and the man of the house), Peggy (Housekeeper, and cook), Mrs. Dalton (The lady that had the money before she married Mr. Dalton, sent Mr. Green to night school to get him an education, blind, and old), Mr. Green (the Dalton’s old driver, left for a job in the government because of his education he received), Mary Dalton (the Dalton’s spoiled daughter, wild, and uncontrollable), and Mrs. Patterson (Mrs. Dalton’s aid.)
AVERY DARGIE (THIRD TIME)
ReplyDelete1. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the Thomas family. Describe this family and the conditions in which they live? Be descriptive and use concrete details!
At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the Thomas family. Describe this family and the conditions in which they live? Be descriptive and use concrete details!
"Thinly plastered walls of the room...tiny, one-bedroom apartment...darted to a curtain and swept it aside and grabbed two heavy iron skillets from a wall above a gas stove." (pg.4) They lived in a small apartment, that had holes in the walls where rats could come through and reek havoc on the Thomas family. They don't have a lot of money, so having a real home is nearly impossible.
2. The title of Book One is Fear, how is this title symbolic and prophetic at the same time? What was Wright's intention with this title?
To show was hidden fear Bigger Thomas is facing...that he is afraid that he won’t be able to take care of his family and achieve his dreams, which is to be able to make money and provide for his family. He also wants to be in a level of equality with the white folk. Another one of Wright’s intentions was because of Bigger’s fear when he had to conceal Mary’s body, by putting her in a trunk and cutting off her head to put into the furnace. “A spell that waited for the wand of fear to touch it and endow it with reality and meaning,” Bigger feared the idea of the white people and how that he killed a white woman, later he begins to feel proud of the deed in which he has accomplished.
3. What initial event happens in the beginning of the novel that is clearly a foreshadowing of events to come?
The event with the rats. It showed that Bigger has a huge challenge to overcome and it scares his family if he were to fail.
4. How does Bigger feel about his home and its surroundings?
BIGGER HATES IT. He wants to live a life like a white person in the time and age. Bigger doesn’t like that they are pushed together to live one street away from the white folk and not be able to even look in their direction without being told that they are up to no good. Bigger wants to be a pilot but can only achieve that with an education that he is not able to get because he is a negro and doesn’t have the money for it, even though later on Mrs. Dalton will offer him the chance to go to night school. One that Mr. Green went to and now has a job in the government.
AVERY DARGIE (THIRD TIME...CONT)
ReplyDelete5. Who are Bigger's friends and what event takes place that creates a level of aggression with these friends?
The boys think they are so cool, and they go play pool at Doc's place. "hes just scared to rob a white man." "Bigger whirled and kicked him hard. Gus flopped on his face with a single movement of his body." The boys want to have power over their clique of friends, so they will smack each other around to show, which has power. But Bigger also hopes that when it comes to robbing a white man that one of his friends will back down so he can blame them, yet he really doesn’t want to rob the white man. When they want to be, “alpha male,” they will try and bring the other members of the gang down or threaten them. “’I’m going to fix you one of these days,’ Gus threatened. ‘Say that again,’ Bigger said. Doc laughed, straightening and looking at Bigger. ‘Lay off the boy, Bigger’ Gus turned and walked toward the rear tables. Bigger, with an amazing bound, grabbed him in the back of his collar.” They fight a lot in order to keep their alpha male status, even though Bigger doesn’t like him.
6. Who are the Dalton's, and where and how do they live?
The Dalton family is a family that has millions of dollars from doing real estate. They live in a very nice home with a car, who they hire Bigger to drive them around in. The house is huge and there are seven known people living in the Dalton’s estate: Henry Dalton (married to Mrs. Dalton, owns the house, real estate marketer, and the man of the house), Peggy (Housekeeper, and cook), Mrs. Dalton (The lady that had the money before she married Mr. Dalton, sent Mr. Green to night school to get him an education, blind, and old), Mr. Green (the Dalton’s old driver, left for a job in the government because of his education he received), Mary Dalton (the Dalton’s spoiled daughter, wild, and uncontrollable), and Mrs. Patterson (Mrs. Dalton’s aid.)