• Bulk Order Discounts: Order 5 or more books (same title) and save 15%.
• Order Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
• Order By Mail: Send your order with a school/district check. No personal checks accepted.

About the Book   Native Son

Native Son is about Bigger Thomas, a young African-American man living in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. From the outset, Wright paints a vivid picture of Bigger's harsh reality, where he faces racial prejudice, limited opportunities, and an environment that fosters a sense of hopelessness. Bigger's life takes a dramatic turn when he secures a job as a chauffeur for the wealthy Dalton family.

One night, Bigger is tasked with driving Mary Dalton, the daughter of his employer, to meet her boyfriend Jan. This seemingly simple task spirals into chaos when Mary becomes intoxicated and needs help getting to her room. In a panic, fearing that he might be caught in a compromising situation, Bigger accidentally suffocates Mary to death. This moment serves as the catalyst for the unfolding tragedy and Bigger's descent into further violence and criminality.

Bigger's attempts to cover up his crime lead to a series of poor decisions, including the murder of his girlfriend, Bessie. Eventually, Bigger is captured and put on trial. The courtroom scenes are intense, highlighting the racial tensions and biases. Bigger's lawyer, Boris Max, delivers a passionate defense, arguing that society's systemic racism and oppression have shaped Bigger's actions. Despite this, Bigger is sentenced to death, leaving readers to grapple with the profound social and moral questions raised by Wright's narrative.

Themes in the book Native Son

Racism and Oppression:Native Son is a searing indictment of the racism and systemic oppression that African-Americans faced in the early 20th century. Through Bigger's experiences, Wright exposes how societal structures and prejudices limited opportunities and perpetuated cycles of poverty and violence. This theme is crucial for educators to explore, as it encourages students to reflect on historical and contemporary issues of race and justice.

Fear and Control: Bigger's actions are often driven by fear—fear of white authority, fear of being caught, and fear of his own helplessness. Wright masterfully portrays how fear can control and dictate behavior, leading individuals to make desperate decisions. This theme can spark meaningful discussions about the psychological impact of living under constant threat and the ways in which fear shapes human behavior.

Identity and Self-Perception: Throughout the novel, Bigger struggles with his identity and self-perception. He grapples with how he is viewed by society versus how he views himself. This internal conflict is exacerbated by the external pressures and expectations placed on him as a Black man. Educators can use this theme to explore broader questions of identity, self-worth, and the impact of societal labels on individual psychology.

Activity Ideas for the book Native Son

Creative Writing Assignment: Assign students a creative writing project where they reimagine a scene from Native Son from a different character's perspective. This exercise not only enhances their understanding of the narrative but also allows them to explore the motivations and inner thoughts of characters other than Bigger. It's an excellent way to develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for Wright's character development.

Historical Context Presentation: Have students research the historical context of 1930s Chicago, focusing on the Great Migration, racial segregation, and economic disparities. They can present their findings through multimedia presentations, posters, or essays. Understanding the historical backdrop of the novel will provide students with greater insight into the social and economic conditions that influenced Wright's writing.

Debate on Social Responsibility: Organize a classroom debate on the topic of social responsibility. Divide students into two groups, with one side arguing that Bigger's actions are a result of societal failures and the other side contending that individuals are ultimately responsible for their choices. This activity will hone students' argumentative skills and prompt them to consider multiple perspectives on complex issues.

Reflective Journals: Ask students to keep reflective journals as they read Native Son. They can record their thoughts, questions, and emotional responses to the events and themes in the novel. Periodically, have students share excerpts from their journals in small groups to facilitate discussion and reflection.

Mock Trial of Bigger Thomas: Have students research and act out a mock trial of Bigger ThomasConduct a mock trial of Bigger Thomas, where students take on the roles of prosecution, defense, witnesses, and jury. This activity will help students understand the legal and ethical issues raised in the novel while developing their public speaking and critical thinking skills.