Introduction:
Native Son is full of complex themes,
events, and characterizations and unfortunately, our class time does not
allow us to explore all of them. Your purpose for this online quest
is to gather insight regarding the context, message, and importance of
Native Son.
- The specific articles listed for review on this page are part of your
learning experience for the novel and are "fair game" on future quizzes!
- Some of your findings here will help you in your group theme discussions
next week.
>>ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE RECORDED IN A MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT. WHEN YOU HAVE
FINISHED ALL TASKS, PRINT YOUR DOCUMENT AND TURN INTO ME BEFORE YOU LEAVE
CLASS TODAY.
>>Everyone should complete Task 1 plus two additional tasks (for three
total).
>>This assignment is worth 30 points.
REQUIRED: Task 1: Stereotypical Characters
One of the reason's Native Son is such an important book is
because of Wright's use (or perhaps better said, misuse) of black
stereotypes. While Bigger fits the mold of a "brutal black buck," he is also a
complex character who thinks, plans, and reacts to the world around
him.1. Read this summary.
It references an article defining and describing black stereotypes in
American pop culture. Click on the "For more information" links to clarify
your understanding of how these types are portrayed.
2. After reading, answer the following questions in terms of Native Son:
- What about Bigger is similar to Bogle's definition of the brute/buck/savage stereotype? What about the character is different?
- Why would Richard Wright use elements of stereotypes in the novel? Consider the message that Wright was trying to send to readers in this protest novel.
3. Choose one of the other 4 stereotypes listed. Think of another character either in literature or another medium (TV, movies) who fits the stereotype. Note: If you are having trouble thinking of an example, look here. There are also several examples to be found by clicking on the links in the Bogle summary. Also, consider African American versions of superheroes, sidekicks, and those characters who are "always killed first" in horror/thriller movies.
4. Describe how that character fits the stereotype and how that portrayal might affect the character's audience.
>>>Choose TWO from the following three tasks.
Task 2: Supplemental Literature
1. This article about the Harlem Renaissance and its place in Chicago lists many poets and authors who were contemporaries of Richard Wright. Choose one of them and conduct an online search of his/her works. For most, you should be able to locate online copies of work samples. Choose a poem or other brief work by one of these authors that connects to the themes, events, or characters of Native Son.
2. After locating your poem/supplementary text, copy it into your own document. Write a paragraph explanation or in some other way show how the text relates to Native Son.
Task 3: Native Son Metaphor
1. Read this interpretation of Native Son
2. How does the idea of fire and ice apply to the novel? Think about the forces which drive Bigger. If, after some careful thought, you do not understand the metaphor, record what confuses you about it.
3. Construct your own metaphor for an aspect of Native Son. (We have already discussed several in class, particularly the rat and Bigger). How would you describe Bigger, his situation, or the world of Native Son metaphorically? Record your answer in sentence or poetic form.
Task 4: Be the Critic
1. Go here to find a listing of Native Son criticisms. You may also search for articles on the Media Center site. Choose one and:
- read it
- summarize it (remember who, what, where, when, why, how when summarizing).
- state your opinion on this particular insight. Do you agree with the critic or disagree? Why or why not?
