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Example research essay topic: Native Son Mary Dalton - 1,083 words

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... ike Bigger and Mr. Dalton did Richard Wright reveal his themes; he used symbols and motifs to present his message. The use of symbolism and hidden meanings contributes even more profoundly to the theme of the novel. In a fit of panic, when Bigger jumps through the window after reporters uncover Mary Dalton's bones in the furnace, Bigger is overwhelmed by snow in his mouth, eyes, ears; snow was seeping down his back (207). This use of snow throughout the novel translates into Bigger's sense of being overwhelmed and engulfed by the white race.

Bigger looks upon white people as an ominous force that has been controlling him all his life. The snow is in fact cold, wet, fierce, and continuous. The abundance of snow even contributes to his capture by sealing off all of Bigger's courses of escape while police scour Chicago in search of him. Also adding to the theme of racism and sweeping generalizations, popular culture conveys a noteworthy motif, which adds to the theme of the novel. While Bigger and his friend Jack are at a movie theater, they see advertisement posters for two films: One, The Gay Woman, was pictured on the posters in images of white men and white women lolling on beaches, swimming, and dancing in night clubs; the other, Trader Horn, was shown on the posters in terms of black men and black women dancing against a wild background of barbaric jungle. (32) The Gay Woman displays white peoples broad perception of themselves as superior compared to Negroes.

However, not only did white people make generalizations about blacks, but blacks made overviews about whites as well. While still in the movie theater, Bigger refers to the whites in the movie and says, I bet their mattresses is stuffed with paper dollars (34). To that, Jack replies with, Man, them folks dont even have to turn over in their sleep. A butler stands by their beds at night and when he hears em sigh, he gently rolls em over. (34). Its evident that both Bigger and Jack perceive whites to be spoiled and flamboyant.

On both parts, the act of making generalizations about either the blacks or the whites is destructive. By generalizing an entire race, it merely contributes to the separation and feeling of alienation between the two. Consequently, it isnt possible to break the barrier of white and black. It is only possible to fashion more hostility and resentment towards the people that they dont even know.

It is through Wrights use of these symbols and characters that we are able to see the central meaning of the novel. When reading Native Son, we gradually become aware of the themes and underlying messages of the novel. While Gus and Bigger are having a smoke outside, Bigger sees a plane and divulges to Gus his life-long dream to be an aviator. However, Gus slaps the facts of reality in perspective by saying, If you wasnt black and if you had some money and if theyd let you go to that aviation school, you could fly a plane (20). The torment of not being able to pursue his dream disheartens Bigger, and it is unfortunate that he cannot change his skin color.

But his restrictions arent simply just an act of injustice; its an act of oppression. There are millions of blacks struggling with the same tribulations as Bigger everyday. Its these types of restrictions and confinements that makes Bigger resentful of whites. Through his fear and hatred, Bigger is unable to see whites as individuals and instead sees them as an overpowering force, which feeds his feeling of oppression. It is only too late and with the kindness and wisdom of Bigger's lawyer is he able to distinguish whites as individuals. But also what makes Native Son so magnificent is Richard Wrights inclusion of the effects of racism on the oppressors as well.

Although it is more complex, racism takes a destructive toll on the white race. By their sense of superiority over others, this leaves the white race weak and deprived. By failing to recognize blacks, whites lose the chance to realize the deep-rooted humanity of that who they oppress. Although their differences are clear and their roles are definite, both races have a blindness that, in a sense, unifies them.

The characters blindness come in many different forms, but they all accomplish the same thing; they force the character into seeing what is not real. Bigger's mother has her religion, the Courts have their racism, and even Bigger has his own prejudice. Bigger's mother is unable to see the reality of her hollow life, the Courts are unable to see blacks humanely due to their preconceived stereotypes and intolerance, and Bigger is also unable to see whites as humans instead of an all-encompassing force. Disappointingly, Bigger is found guilty of the supposed rape and murder of Mary Dalton before he has entirely discerned the truth.

However, Bigger's fate is not unusual for the reason that his inequality happens regularly outside the walls of the pages. Native Son is not the traditional fairy tale. It is a story filled with distress and the hard facts of life. It is that realization that makes the novel authentic and relevant. The characters are neither traditional nor perfect; they are portrayed as human beings with immoral feelings and thoughts. In a book about racial discrimination and power, one should only expect characters with flaws and faults.

Native Son encourages us not to pity or sympathize with Bigger Thomas, but to realize why he is the way he is and how he is a product of the society that created him. Richard Wright fruitfully uses his characters and symbols to acknowledge an issue that has troubled America since its creation. Richard Wrights Native Son both simply and intricately reveals the theme of the effects of racism on the oppressed as well as the oppressors, and the blindness of the characters to what is true of their surroundings. Bigger Thomas is an archetypal black man with a deep resentment and fear towards the entire white race. Mr.

Dalton is a wealthy white man with an inconsolable guilt that not even his philanthropy can fix. Together, including the number of symbols and other literary elements that present themselves in the story, Native Son became one of the most thought-provoking books of its time. Its no wonder, that when released on that day in 1940, it became an overnight classic.


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Research essay sample on Native Son Mary Dalton

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