Native Son by Richard Wright. Summary of the book.

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Native Son by Richard Wright

Native Son is a novel written by African-American author Richard Wright and published in 1940. It tells the story of 20-year-old Bigger Thomas, an African-American man living in poverty in Chicago, who, after a series of events, finds himself on trial for murder.

The novel is widely considered to be a classic of American literature, and it has proven to be highly influential, as it brings attention to issues such as poverty, racism, and violence in mid-20th century America. It is also a significant work of social commentary, as it examines the hard life of African-Americans at the time, and their struggles with poverty and racism.

Plot Summary

The novel follows the story of Bigger Thomas, a 20-year-old African-American man living in poverty in Chicago. He is desperate to make a living, and so he takes a job as a chauffeur for the affluent Dalton family. However, things take a dark turn when Bigger accidentally kills Mary Dalton, the daughter of his employers. He then attempts to cover up his crime and dispose of the body. This leads to a chain of events that culminates in Bigger being put on trial for murder.

Throughout the novel, Bigger is depicted as a victim of his circumstances. He is not a bad person, but his circumstances have created a sense of desperation in him that leads him to commit the crime. The novel also examines the racism and poverty of the time, and how these issues affect the lives of African-Americans.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was an immediate success: Native Son was an instant success when it was published in 1940, and it soon became a bestseller. It was also made into a movie in 1951.
  • It was highly controversial: The novel was highly controversial, as it depicted African-Americans in a way that was not commonly seen at the time.
  • It was banned in some places: The novel was banned in some places, as it was seen as too controversial for the time.
  • It was adapted into a play: Native Son was adapted into a play by Wright himself in 1941.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the book Native Son about?

Native Son is a novel written by African-American author Richard Wright and published in 1940. It tells the story of 20-year-old Bigger Thomas, an African-American man living in poverty in Chicago, who, after a series of events, finds himself on trial for murder. The novel is widely considered to be a classic of American literature, and it has proven to be highly influential, as it brings attention to issues such as poverty, racism, and violence in mid-20th century America.

Who wrote Native Son?

Native Son was written by African-American author Richard Wright and published in 1940.

When was Native Son published?

Native Son was published in 1940.

What is the main theme of Native Son?

The main theme of Native Son is racism and poverty in mid-20th century America, and how these issues affect the lives of African-Americans.

Was Native Son made into a movie?

Yes, Native Son was made into a movie in 1951.

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