Native Son: Various Personality Elements Of Bigger

Want to read the rest of this paper? Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay and over 50,000 other term papers

and being the subject 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 ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays. Write better papers. Get better grades. Already a member? Login

characterizations 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 ...

Succeed in your coursework without stepping into a library. Get access to a growing library of notes, book reports, and research papers in 2 minutes or less.

CITE THIS PAGE: