Native Son Flashcards
Where does the Novel begin?
In 1930’s apartment in Chicago - Bigger, his sister Vera, his mother Ma and brother Buddy.
Who does Bigger have an interview with?
Mr. Dalton - a rich, white, real estate magnate in the South Side of Chicago.
On the way to the interview who does Bigger talk to and what about?
Gus - they talk about jobs they would enjoy if they were not African America. Gus would like to be an aircraft pilot.
Who does Bigger meet up with later that day?
Jack and G.H - the four plan a robbery of Blum’s deli.
Why is Gus the least willing to do the robbery?
Because they have never robbed a white man and are scared of the retaliation.
How does Bigger kill Mary Dalton (the daughter)?
He drives Mary to meet her friend Jan and the three get drunk - Mary, unconscious, is carried to bed by Bigger and as Mr. Dalton comes in, Bigger places a pillow over Mary to stop her talking. This kills her.
Who does Bigger blame the murder on?
Jan - when she quizzes Bigger on his lying he threatens her with a gun.
How is Bigger caught for the murder?
He is asked to rake the furnace and Mary’s white bones spill on the floor. Reporters see this.
Who does Bigger involve in the crime?
His girlfriend Bessie - runs to her house as a fugitive and says she must go along with ransom plan as she is now a fugitive.
What does Bigger do to Bessie after they run to the warehouse?
Rape and kill her with a brick to stop her talking to the police.
Where is Bigger caught?
On the roof of a building - shot with high powered hose, debilitating him.
What do crowds shout as he is brought back to the police station?
‘Black ape’
What is the role of religion after his arrest?
A preacher tells Bigger to pray for his own soul. Bigger sees burning cross set up by KKK and tells the preacher he does not believe in an immortal soul or that christianity has any use for him.
What does Max claim as a reason to not give Bigger the death penalty?
His harsh upbringing and difficult conditions of living in Chicago as an African American.
What happens to Bigger at the end?
Bigger is executed - he thanks Max for listening to him but is still largely unrepentant.
