Book 2 Part 2

This forum is for the discussion of Native Son, Book 2 Part 2.

Bigger is obsessed with the furnace. He keeps on checking it to see if he forgot something. The family start putting things together and Bigger is questioned again. He uses his "dumb black boy" act. The private investigator is not so gullible. He thinks all black boys are trouble. Bigger treats Bessie horribly and makes her get involved in the ransom. Jan gets arrested and refuses to leave the jail.

I guess the strongest point in this book is the newspapers outlook on all this --------- I quote from SN

They want to print an article using Bigger to “prove” that the “primitive Negro” does not want to be “disturbed by white civilization.”

WOW!!

Bigger derives power from the killing. he doesn't feel afraid among his old gang and feels superior to them and his family. he has a secret and it make him happy. he statrs dcheming on ways to get more money. his family suspects something, especially buddy whom Bigger threatens and bribes with a dollar.
I would have thought that black readers both then and now would be offended by the conciencless violence that the author portrays.

I think that is a good point, it would be difficult to read the novel and not identify and feel angry with the portrayal of the black characters. Bigger thinks he is smarter that he is, and is setting himself up to get caught.

there is also the portrayal of his mom and sister as weak women who hide behind faith because there is really nothing else for them. Again, this is a stereotype that has come true in many poor black families.