Native Son Book Summary | Richard Wright | Ratings & Review | 2023

Dive into the pages of Richard Wright‘s “Native Son” and explore the struggles of an African American youth in the 1930s

Introduction

Richard Wright’s “Native Son” is a novel about Bigger Thomas, a 20-year-old African American who lives in a small apartment with his mother, brother, and sister in a poor area of Chicago during the 1930s

What does it feel like to live below the poverty line?

Living below the poverty line can be a struggle that’s hard to put into words. It often means constantly worrying about basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. It can feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of poverty with no clear way out. The stress and anxiety of living in poverty can take a toll on your mental and physical health, making it difficult to focus on anything else

Let’s read the novel’s summary which is based on identical situation

Native Son Quotes

Native Son Characters

This Novel features several characters, including:

Bigger Thomas The protagonist of the novel, a 20-year-old African American man who lives in poverty in Chicago’s South Side
Mary DaltonA young white woman who hires Bigger as a chauffeur and becomes intimately involved in his life
Jan ErloneA communist activist who befriends Bigger and tries to use him for political purposes
Henry DaltonMary’s father and a wealthy real estate magnate
Mrs. DaltonMary’s mother, who is blind and unaware of the racial tensions that exist between her daughter and Bigger
Native Son Characters

Native Son Summary

Bigger is a 20-year-old who lives in poverty with his family in a small apartment. He works as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family, the Daltons, who treat him with a degree of kindness and respect but also with a sense of detachment and distance. Bigger becomes increasingly aware of the racial divide between himself and the Daltons.

One night, Bigger takes the daughter of the Daltons, Mary, out for a drive. When they return, Mary is too drunk to make it to her room, so Bigger carries her upstairs. He accidentally suffocates her when he covers her mouth to keep her quiet, fearing that her cries might alert others to his presence in her room.

Bigger tries to cover up the crime but is eventually caught. In the ensuing trial, Bigger’s lawyer argues that Bigger is not solely responsible for Mary’s death but is a product of a racist society that has denied him any opportunity for success or self-respect. However, Bigger is ultimately found guilty and sentenced to death.

Throughout the novel, Bigger struggles with his identity as a young African American man in a society that has systematically oppressed and marginalized people like him. He is forced to confront his own internalized racism and his sense of powerlessness in the face of larger social forces.

“Native Son” is a powerful exploration of the impact of racism and poverty on the lives of young people of color

If you like to read on the topic of discrimination and injustice then you should try : BLOOD MERIDIAN BOOK

Key Takeaways of Native Son

RacismBigger Thomas, is constantly discriminated against because of his skin color, and this shapes his worldview and behavior
PovertyBigger’s family lives in a cramped apartment and struggles to make ends meet
OppressionBigger’s experiences also illustrate how oppression works. He feels trapped by his circumstances and sees no way out of his poverty and discrimination
Key Takeaways of Native Son

Native Son Author

The author of the novel “Native Son” is Richard Wright. Wright was an African American author and activist, best known for his novels that explored the experiences of Black people in America during the 20th century

Native Son Genre

The novel “Native Son” by Richard Wright is often categorized as a work of African American literature and a social commentary on race and poverty in America. It is a work of fiction and is typically classified as a novel

Books Like Native Son

If you enjoyed reading “Native Son” by Richard Wright and are looking for similar books, here are a few recommendations:

“Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison Link
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison Link
“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin Link
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston Link
Books Like Native Son

Native Son Review

“Native Son” by Richard Wright is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the experiences of a young Black man living in poverty in 1930s Chicago. One of the strengths of “Native Son” is its vivid and detailed portrayal of the social and economic conditions that shape Bigger’s life. Another strength of “Native Son” is its nuanced portrayal of Bigger Thomas

Overall, “Native Son” is a classic of African American literature that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a powerful and challenging work that offers a searing critique of racism and oppression in America, and a compelling portrait of a young man struggling to find his place in a hostile world

Native Son Price In India

“Native Son” is available on Amazon India . The Price of the Novel is 1375/- The price may vary depending on the format (e.g. paperback, hardcover, Kindle edition)

Native Son Price In U.S

“Native Son” is also available on Amazon U.S . The Price of the Novel is $12.89 The price may vary depending on the format (e.g. paperback, hardcover, Kindle edition)

Native Son Audiobook

Audiobook of “Native Son” is available on Audible.in. The price of this version is 1093/- You can also find it on various audiobook platforms such as Google Play Books, and iTunes

Link of Audiobook : Native Son

Conclusion

Native Son is a powerful and important novel that explores some of the most pressing issues of its time. Its themes of racism, poverty, and justice are still relevant today, and its characters and plot are as gripping as ever. If you haven’t read Native Son yet, I highly recommend it

FAQs

What inspired Richard Wright to write Native Son?

Richard Wright was inspired to write Native Son after reading about the real-life case of Robert Nixon, a young black man who was accused of murdering a white woman in Detroit in 1925

How does Native Son explore the impact of racism on individuals and society?

Native Son explores the impact of racism in a number of ways. Through the character of Bigger Thomas, Wright shows how racism can limit a person’s opportunities and shape their perceptions of themselves and the world around them

What is the significance of the novel’s setting in Chicago?

The novel’s setting in Chicago is significant because it was a center of African American life and culture during the early part of the 20th century

What is the role of women in the novel?

Women play an important role in the novel, both as victims of oppression and as agents of change. Mary Dalton and Bessie Mears represent two different sides of femininity in the novel

What is the legacy of Native Son?

Native Son is widely regarded as a groundbreaking and influential work of African American literature. It has been praised for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the realities of life for African Americans in the early 20th century

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