Nemesis of Race in Richard Wright’s The Native Son

Abstract

Racism is a man made, man enforced phenomenon which stands out as the basic element of the discourse of difference that pervades interracial relations. The fact that racism hurt many people in the ancient periods, especially during the twentieth century is expressed in the work of Negros writers such as Richard Wright who reacted against racism from what he had experienced during his life. Through his writings he attempts to illustrate the Black misery, depression and also examine how the Black can change conditions of his life through his novel Native Son.

The present study analyses Richard Wright’s exploration of Bigger’s psychological corruption which gives us a new perspective on the oppressive effect racism had on the black population in 1930s America. Bigger’s psychological damage results from the constant barrage of racist propaganda and racial oppression he faces while growing up. It also discusses how the deleterious effect of racism prevents whites from realizing the true humanity inherent in groups that they oppress.