Native Son by Richard Wright

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Description:

Native Son is a realistic look at life inside and outside of the Black Belt of Chicago during the 1930s. The novel explores the depths of a character that is difficult to hate, despite his heinous crimes. Bigger Thomas is hired as a chauffer by a wealthy, white family. On his first night, he accidentally kills the daughter. He panics, dismembers and disposes of the body, and continues working for the family until parts of her body are discovered and he runs in fear. The novel has serious messages and a heavy tone; key issues and themes include racism, politics, social and economic inequality, and a search for self that ends in tragedy.

Activities:

Students investigate the issues of the novel through their own eyes and through the eyes of the characters of the novel. Activities include small and large group work, research into setting and author, debates, and role playing. Lessons focus on analysis of language, actions, and conflicts; journal and essay writing; evaluation and study of symbols, motifs, themes, turning points; and comparison to other works of literature.

Supplementary materials include a comprehension quiz with answer key and a self-evaluation worksheet for personal writing portfolios.

Ethical Values:

Integrity, Justice, Self-actualization, Truth