Characterization In Richard Wright's Native Son, Bigger Thomas

Great authors use characterization to develop a message. In Richard Wright’s Native Son, Bigger Thomas, a young black male living in Chicago during the 1930s, depicts how growing up in poverty around crime can affect one’s well-being. Bigger went to court for murdering and raping a young white woman, Mary Dalton. The murder of Mary Dalton happened accidentally while Bigger tried to keep Mary quiet when her mother entered the room. Bigger knew that he would automatically receive consequences for being in a drunk white girl’s room late at night if he got caught. In fear, Bigger accidentally smothered Mary with a pillow in hopes to keep her from saying anything about him in her room. The disposal of Mary’s body shows all of Bigger’s built up anger
Pomeroy had a “white film so thick and unappealing that covered the pupil” that led students and even his father to feel revolted by it (Montillo, 4). Because of Pomeroy’s eye, bigger, taller, and stronger boys at his school often targeted him. In return, Pomeroy bullied “those who were shorter, smaller, and weaker” than he was (Montillo, 4). Like Bigger, Pomeroy was taught to hate himself due to something he could not control. Bigger was taught by society that being black was wrong, leading to resentment of himself. This self hatred of uncontrollable things led to violent acts, such as murder. Pomeroy would “befriend his victims, offer them money and treats, and accompany them to a remote location” (Montilo, 6). Pomeroy’s suffering from bullying led him to want to harm others, yearning for that control that others had over him and their ability to make them feel bad about themselves. Bigger wanted white people to realize who they were making fun and oppressing because of his skin color. Bigger wanted to prove his capability of having power not only over himself but, other people to society. Society teaching people to hate themselves for things that cannot be fixed leads to wanting to overcome power held over