Native Son

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of punishment. Although he later admits to Max that Mary Dalton’s behavior toward him made him hate her, it is not that hate which causes him to smother her to death, but a feeble attempt to evade the detection of her mother. The fear of being caught with a white woman overwhelmed his common sense and dictated his actions. When he attempted to murder Bessie, his motivation came from intense fear of the consequences of "letting" her live. Bigger realized that he could not take Bessie with him or leave her behind and concluded that killing her could provide her only "merciful" end.
The emotional forces that drive Bigger are conveyed by means other than his words. Besides reactions to fear, his actions demonstrate an extremely quick temper and destructive impulse as an integral part of his nature. Rage plays a key part in his basic nature, but does not directly motivate the murders he commits. Rage does not affect Bigger’s intelligence and quick thinking and it becomes evident during ...

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of white persons in the novel comes from the character of Jan Erlone, Mary Dalton’s friend. He exhibits an enthusiastic personality and represents an idealistic young organizer for the Communist party. Mary’s parents and their servant Peggy distrust his motives. Bigger initially expresses a distaste for "reds" when responding to Jan’s friendly advances during their first meeting. While receiving distrust from those around him, Jan retains a simple belief in the equality for all men, regardless of social class or race. Throughout Jan’s first meeting with Bigger, he regards Bigger with the utmost respect. During the course of the night, Jan sits in the front of the car with Bigger, eats with ...

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