"Bigger" than just a novel

I just finished reading Native Son by Richard Wright. The novel is about a young man, Bigger Thomas, who is struggling with his position in society. He is being pushed to become something greater, but the inevitability of him becoming a product of his environment chases him. The novel is divided into three sections, Fear, Flight and Fate, witch outline the, assumed, general mind set of the 1930’s negro. I had watched the movie once before, and had recently become inclined to read the novel; as it is often said, “the book is always better than the movie.” In fact, in the case of Native Son, that statement is completely true. Embedded in the novel is Wright’s exceptional ability to play with words. Particularly, he plays with colors and names, and their implications. For example in relation to Bigger, the protagonist , the color yellow is repeatedly associated with fear while white is associated with not only purity, but warning. It is almost a privilege to have these colors act in this way, being that they give a bit of an insight throughout the novel. In regards to names, take a look at Bigger, it is a play of the word nigger, which accents the lifeline of this character. Wright orchestrates the novel beautifully, opening the novel in direct interaction with the main character and his surroundings. Then carrying an impressive level of suspense through out, until the very last word. The best thing about this novel is the depth and message that it carries in regards to the African American’s relationship to America. This is exactly why I feel it is a relevant read for any and every one seeking to be edified. At times we will judge certain people based on their actions or what they look like physically or on paper (records, description of race, creed, etc.). It is understood that everyone can not walk through the life of those who seek to be understood, but it is through novels like Native Son that we may acquire a better perception of those we share our country, our home with. For more information about Richard Wright and his publications go to: http://www.olemiss.edu/mwp/index.html. And if you go to: http://www.nathanielturner.com/sagaofbiggerthomas.htm there is a great read about the use of Bigger Thomas as the advocate for struggling bottom class African Americans.