Book 1 Part 1

This forum is for the discussion of Native Son, Book 1 Part 1.

This book looks like it will be pretty good! We are introduced to Bigger and his family as well as the terrible conditions in which they live. he is thrust upon by his mother to make a living for the family ad the proposed position is one he is not the least bit interested in. He hates white people and seems to think they are in part the cause of his misery. He would like to strike back at them. His mother is portrayed as a teriotypical black mother, i think.

I also noticed how scared Bigger is. When he is dealing with the rat, at the proposition of a job, and when he is trying to talk everyone into robbing Blum's, Bigger's fear over comes him. He acts out violently in each situation, and seems to only feel better if he has caused someone else pain.

Also an interesting point: Bigger asks his friend why things are so unequal. He seems to be a pretty contemplative character, who is struggling with the inequalities of his time (when his friends seem to just accept the situation).

One thing that stood out in this part was the thought that robbing a "black mans" store no one would care, but if they robbed a "white mans" store it would matter. How true. I'm sure it's true nowadays.

I also thought it was interesting that they play acted being white people. I wouldn't think that that would be something they would do.