Native Son by Richard Wright Term Paper

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The author does not include figurative language in this passage; instead, he uses descriptive language to get his point across. The language of this passage is lyrical and yet frightening at the same time. Wright uses this language to paint mental pictures of the Communists, but he also lays the groundwork for the two Communists that appear in the story, Max and Jan. Bigger does not understand Communism, but as his life disintegrates, he turns to two members of the Party for help, either by choice or by chance. These two men, however, do not understand him any more than he understands them. This indicates the gap between people that always exists, mo matter color or race, and it indicates that most people really do not take the time to understand each other. Figurative language would not have worked in this passage, because Wright was convening feeling and emotion, rather than comparison and contrast. Wright was showing fear and misunderstanding, and this is descriptive, rather than lyrical and figurative. This indicates Wright's clear understanding of what he was attempting to convey to the reader, and his clear understanding of his subject and themes of the book. He knew what he wanted the reader to think, and how to use language to get the reader to see things in his own very personal way.

Language is one of the most important elements of fiction, and this short passage indicates how important even one or two sentences can be to the overall theme and idea of a novel. Wright obviously understood the language, and knew how to form it into sentences that could evoke strong meanings and feelings. These sentences are ominous, and indicate the fear people felt at a time when Communism (and Fascism) were beginning to spread across Europe and the world. This passage is threatening somehow, and so was the very real threat of Communism. Language is more than just words on paper; it is a deep understanding of how to use language most effectively to convey thoughts, meanings, and fears.

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A strong use of language can paint pictures and open up deep-seated feelings, just as Wright does here in this passage.

All of the elements of language - syntax, placement, and thematic content are present in this passage. Wright worded it just perfectly to convey fear and misunderstanding. Communism was a puzzle to Bigger, just as it was to most people, who thought it was a violent and angry movement most akin to labor unions, who needed radical reform. Bigger's thoughts show he is just like the white people who fear him because of his color, and eventually point him down the path toward destruction. They do not understand him and his life any more than Bigger understands theirs, but everyone can find something in common, no matter how different they are, and this is Wright's purpose. He shows Bigger shares a common fear and distrust of Communism with many whites, thus showing there are commonalities in even the most distrustful and prejudicial relationship.

In conclusion, Wright uses language extremely effectively to convey emotion, fear, distrust, and evil - thoughts most people had about Communism at the time. Wright's understanding of language helps make this passage more memorable, and gives the reader a glimpse into Bigger's world, and how he did not understand the threats around him, real or imagined. Wright wanted to conquer the fear of Communism with his writing, but he also wanted to show that Communism was not the only answer, nor the answer everyone was looking for. It could not help Bigger, and in the end, it did not help most of the countries that followed it for so long, but this is something Wright could not have known or foreseen when he wrote "Native Son." It is a compelling look at the races and their fears over time, and indicates that men are really the same when it comes to fear and misunderstanding.….....

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