Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Native Son Post #1

When Bigger is finally alone in his own room in the Dalton house, he finally had a sense of freedom. He now has his own space and place to call his own, unlike his old home where he had to live in a small uncomfortable, cold, and dirty room with three other people. It finally seems like Bigger is somewhat happy. He talks about, “bringing Bessie here some night,” “not have to sleep with Buddy,” and “to drink in peace.” (59) Bigger finally realizes all the pleasures you can have when you are given choice and more freedom. Where as before he had to listen to his mom tell him to do everything, drink where blacks were supposed to drink, and “polish his nightstick in the movie theater.” (30) With something as simple as a room with heat and a nice, soft, and clean bed, Bigger has had a big positive mood swing. (PP 59) He feels his new job will help him get more material things like a new watch too. (PP59) Bigger seems like he is glad he took the job, but he still scared of the white people, especially the girl. (59)

I don’t think Bigger is “selling-out” because he still has the choice to leave the job or not. In my opinion, you have to take the best situation you get, even though that may sound selfish, sometimes at that point in time there isn’t a better option. I think this is the first time in Bigger’s life where he is away from home and away from his mom, and now he must take in on his own responsibility. Even though Bigger is 20 years old, he still acts and thinks like a child and he needs to grow up, this my be the experience he needs to do that. I don’t think Bigger is surrendering to the white man, I think he is just trying to best for him and his family. Really that’s all that matters, I know bigger wants to follow his dreams, but he has to wake up and realize life isn’t all milk and cookies, and that the world is corrupt and sucks for everyone, but you have to deal with it. But it is also possible to see him as a “sell out” in the way where he is being extremely selfish and is more thinking about himself than his friends and family. For instance he cares more about getting a new watch than helping out his family and friends that are on hard times. (PP59) So I can see it both ways, but I think Bigger is more selfish than a “sell out” and he is only trying to better himself.