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

1. Racism and Fear:An In-depth Study of Native Son Ellis Jessa Mary Gordon Home Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits

2. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Introduction • Bigger Thomas, the main character of Wright’s 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.

3. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Task • Evaluate how Wright’s 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.

4. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Process • Complete the Pre-Reading Response column of the Anticipation/Reaction Guide prior to reading the novel • Read Richard Wright’s 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.

5. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Process Continued • 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.

6. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Process Continued • 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

7. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Process Continued • Critics have said that Wright’s 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 Wright’s portrayal of Bigger as the embodiment of black society meant to provoke change in American society? How and to what extent did Wright’s novel achieve awareness of the issues previously mentioned?

8. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Process Continued • 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.

9. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Evaluation 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

10. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Conclusion 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

11. HomeIntroductionTask ProcessEvaluationConclusionCredits Credits • Richard Wright (Biography and Accomplishments) • Native Son (the Movie) • PowerPoint Pictures

12. Chicago Movie Theater (1940)

13. Recess at a Black Belt Chicago School

14. Ida B. Wells Housing Project in Chicago (1942)

15. Lower Class Chicago Flats for Rent

16. Apartment building in a black section of Chicago (1941)

17. Picket line at the Mid-City Realty Company in Chicago (1941)