Racism and Fear: An In-depth Study of Native Son

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Racism and FearAn In-depth Study of Native Son

• Ellis
• Jessa
• Mary Gordon

Home Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclus
ion Credits
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Introduction
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Bigger Thomas, the main character of Wrights
  Native Son, is trapped in a downward spiral that
  leads to his eventual destruction. He has no way
  to escape the poverty and racism that surrounds
  him. Although the novel was written during a
  time when racism and fear prevailed, the novel
  continues to cause controversy abroad, having
  never been out of print since its original
  publishing date in 1939.
• This WebQuest will explore the theme of racism
  and fear through the use of the following Native
  Son (the novel), worksheets and handouts, Native
  Son (the movie), historical and biographical
  connections, and critical analysis essays.

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Task
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Evaluate how Wrights use of racism and fear in
  Native Son coupled with his sympathetic portrayal
  of Bigger relate to historical issues and
  problems of the time period in which it was
  written.

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Process
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Complete the Pre-Reading Response column of the
  Anticipation/Reaction Guide prior to reading the
  novel
• Read Richard Wrights biography and
  accomplishments. Highlight or take notes on what
  you think will be relative or on events that
  could have triggered his development of the
  novel.
• Read Native Son and take note of seemingly
  important quotations that relate to the theme of
  racism and fear as you progress.
• After finishing the novel complete the Quote
  Analysis exercise.

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Process Continued
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Watch the 1951 movie, Native Son, starring
  Richard Wright as Bigger Thomas.
• Write an essay juxtaposing the novel and the film
  adaptation. Consider the following questions
  when preparing for the essay
• What major plot points were left out in the
  translation from book to movie? Does this affect
  the meaning of the work as a whole?
• Is the theme of racism and fear prevalent in both
  the novel and the movie? How is this theme
  presented?
• Did you respond more to the novel or the movie?
  Why?
• View this PowerPoint in order to gain additional
  insight into the life of an African American in
  Chicago in the 1940s. Be sure to notice
  similarities or connections between these
  pictures and places described in the novel.

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Process Continued
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Research additional historical and critical
  information dealing with the oppression of
  blacks, specifically in Chicago, and its affect
  on Richard Wright and his novel, Native Son. You
  may want to consider the following hard copy
  sources
• African American Writers 2nd Edition, Volume 2
• The Encyclopedia of African American Literature
• Modern Black Writers 2nd Edition
• Native Son The Personal, Social, and Political
  Background
• Novels for Students Volume 7

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Process Continued
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Critics have said that Wrights Bigger Thomas
  captured the thoughts and feelings of black
  society as a whole during the 1930s and 1940s.
  Write an in-depth essay using all of the combined
  knowledge that you have gained in your search to
  compare the life of Richard Wright to that of
  Bigger Thomas. Be sure to include historical
  information and events that are relevant.
  Consider the following questions when preparing
  for the essay
• In what ways were Richard Wright and Bigger
  Thomas the same in regards to social,
  psychological, and economic standpoints? How do
  these conditions influence their actions?
• Was Wrights portrayal of Bigger as the
  embodiment of black society meant to provoke
  change in American society? How and to what
  extent did Wrights novel achieve awareness of
  the issues previously mentioned?

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Process Continued
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Complete the Post-Reading Response column of the
  Anticipation/Reaction Guide. Compare the answers
  you previously recorded to your recent answers
  and complete the discussion question provided on
  the following page.

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Evaluation
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Your work will be divided into three different
  sections in order to be effectively graded. The
  following attachment will expand and display the
  grading scales as well as an explanation of each
  point cluster Grading Rubric

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Conclusion
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• From this WebQuest, you should have explored
• Biographical information concerning the life of
  Richard Wright
• The cinematic portrayal of Bigger Thomas
• Historical documents and photographs that
  significantly relate to the novel
• Your own personal beliefs on the issues of racism
  within society

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Credits
Home Introduction Task Process
Evaluation Conclusion Credits

• Richard Wright (Biography and Accomplishments)
• Native Son (the Movie)
• PowerPoint Pictures

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Chicago Movie Theater (1940)
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Recess at a Black Belt Chicago School
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Ida B. Wells Housing Project in Chicago (1942)
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Lower Class Chicago Flats for Rent
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Apartment building in a black section of Chicago
(1941)
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Picket line at the Mid-City Realty Company in
Chicago (1941)
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