The novel Native Son was published by Richard Wright in 1940. The book represents the tragedy of Bigger Thomas, a black boy raised in the Chicago slums during the great depression. Wright uses symbolism extensively in the novel. There is even symbolic meaning behind the titles of each of the three parts of the novel. It is symbolism that allows Wright to explain the entire novel in the first few pages. Even though symbols are widely …showed first 75 words of 1416 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1416 total…However, in order to understand Bigger Thomas, one first must understand the symbolism behind the black rat, the kitchenette, and the element of blindness. Bibliography Works Cited Gallantz, Michael. Barrons Book Notes Richard Wrights Native Son & Black Boy. New York: Barrons Educational Series Inc, 1986. Bloom, Harold. Blooms Reviews Comprehensive Research & Study Guides Richard Wrights Native Son. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1996. Bloom, Harold. Modern Critical Interpretations Richard Wrights Native Son. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1988.