Jenny

Book: //Native Son// Author: Richard Wright Date: 4.29.2010

Pages Read: 1-97 Title you create for the reading you've done: Understanding Fear

Significant Quote: "//He hated his family because he knew that they were suffering and that he was powerless to help them. He knew that the moment he allowed himself to feel to its fullness how they lived, the shame and misery of their lives, he would be swept out of himself with fear and despair.//" (page 10)

Explanation: This quote is important because it reflects the true character of who Bigger Thomas is. The reader can now understand from this quote that Bigger puts on a show of bravado and pretentious airs, but secretly has fears and misguided hopes to the future like everyone else. Bigger is the oldest son of Ma Thomas, and is relied heavily on to support the family of 5 people. He is afraid to work, because of the pressure that his family puts on him, but also of his deep hatred of Caucasians. Bigger has a lot of emotions that he is struggling to deal with, since he is afraid that the emotions will take control of him and his life.

Hot Q: Why does Bigger pretends to be brave and "manly" ? Isn't Bigger lying to himself and others of who he truly is?

Your Answer to the Hot Q: I am guessing that Bigger pretends to be brave and manly, because he doesn't want to seem like a "sissy", since the people he spends time with are gang members who intimidate him. To be equal with the gang member's swagger and bravery, he makes himself a different person, so that they won't mock or pick on him. Bigger is lying to himself and others of who he truly is because he is acting like a person he doesn't even recognize, and many others, including his girlfriend, are affected negatively by the way he acts.

Connection: I can connect to Bigger in a way, because when I am sad or not feeling well, sometimes I pretend that I am okay or that everything is okay. This shows that I am lying to myself and to others because there could be somebody who could help me feel better or cheer me up. I can realize that there are solutions to problems. I can also relate to Bigger, because I disrespect people who act "fake"- or different from who they are, just to be popular, or to impress others.