Native Sons

"Native Son", a book written by Richard Wright, is both complex, fast-paced and addresses many social and racial issues, such a racism. Bigger Thomas the main character of this story, as a black African American living in the 1930's, starts working for a well-known, rich white family, the Dalton's. Within the first day, Bigger Thomas kills Mary and than burns her remains. He acts innocent and even hints that her Communist affiliated boyfriend did it. Eventually Bigger is caught redhanded and runs away. He tells his girlfriend, Bessie, what he has done and in the end rapes and than kills her, to keep her from telling the authorities about his plans and whereabouts. Bigger is than caught by police forces and sentenced to death.

From the beginning of the book, Bigger Thomas's life is shrouded with fear, shame and anger with added. His violence tantrums uncalled for, he even turns on his friends at one point. Although I understand his situation and don't wish any of this upon anyone ever, I still believe that he should be sentenced to death. His first murder, was accidental, I get it. He could've left her body there and told the family what had happened. Although he still would've been sentenced to time in jail, his actions would be clearly illustrated. Bigger would then tell the truth to the court and there would be evidence to support his claims. He would tell officials that he smothered Mary, there would be evidence; he would tell the court that he didn't rape Mary, there would be evidence. However, I don't think they would believe his motive, that he acted on fear of Mrs. Dalton sensing them there in her room together. I don't understand his actions afterwards though. Burning her and than cutting her head off, only worsens his cause. Totally unnecessary.

Bessie's rape and murder was unnecessary as well. At the start he should've never involved her. Her murder only adds to his troubles. His actions were definitely justifiable [to him at least], in that he wanted to keep her quiet, however not morally correct at all. Bigger got what he deserved. If a white person did the same thing, they would get the same answer to their pleas, just like Bigger, the death penalty. The jury was indeed swayed favorably towards death because of the color of his skin because of the racist stereotypes and labels that whites put on blacks at that time, but Bigger, in my opinion, was sentenced correctly.