The Theme Of Freedom Vs. Confinement In Richard Wright's 'Black Boy'

Freedom, the sole purpose that many people come to america. Freedom and the “American dream” is a desire for many, and sadly almost 14.5% of americans live below or right on the line of poverty, and that unfortunately proves that the american dream is not reachable for all. In a memoir written by Richard Wright, Black Boy (American Hunger) gruesomely discusses the harsh events a young child goes through while living in a household of poverty and is plagued by many unfortunate situations.The idea of freedom versus confinement is shown through diction in a constant wave through different events and challenges that the main character goes through. To begin Wright describes how when he was around the age of six he would run down to the saloon and beg the drunken men and women to buy him drinks. He begins by …show more content…
This also represents freedom because when richard is “wandering in a daze” it shows how when he is “wandering” he has no restrictions from his mother or any authority figure while intoxicated or “in a daze” and that which exemplifies how he is free to do as he pleases in that moment until his mother finds him. Later on the drinking does not stop no matter how many beatings or scoldings richard had gotten. It had come to a point where his mother had gone to the “proprietor” to confine him and his freedom of access of alcohol and diminish Richards chances of entering the saloon anymore, “my mother protested tearfully”. By making his mother “protest” for his well being that just shows how Richard is so confined to himself and that he doesn’t care how his mom feels, he is free in his own world. Also at young age Richard going to the bar takes a huge toll on his mom by disobeying his mother’s wishes this had hurt her badly