How Does Native Son Connect to the Situations in Your Life?
Does anyone draw parallels between their life and Bigger's? How do you compare you life to his? And does learning about his situation make you want to do better in life?
One way I can relate to Bigger, is pretty much in "fear". I fear of the future, and at times fear in my actions and the consequences it comes with. In some aspects, his mother reminds me of my grandma at times, the way she nags at me to work, or to do more to help out my family. I understand his situation where he feels that since his family doesn't understand him or accept him he doesn't feel the urge to help them. But of course, his life is more negative compared to mine, and it challenges my mind set, therefore I do wish to do better in life.
Not feeling good enough is certainly a problem. Throughout the first book, Bigger expresses this feeling that he doesn't belong in or is just unwanted by a huge faction of society. Even in his house, Bigger's mother is this antagonizing figure who emasculates him, reminding him he could do better --he should do better.
I can't really say that Bigger's and my life are parallel, but I do find myself in constant fear of what my future will bring. I see Bigger as a violent product of his environment and I definately don't go berserk over trivial things like a white woman being near me. But, his situation does let me see things in a different perspective and strive for a positive outcome in my life.
The way I relate the most to Bigger is in his way of escaping. That way in being: using his pipe dreams to get him through the tough times..Currently, my ultimate dream is to get out of Arizona. I like to fantasize of a world outside of this inferno. Similar to Bigger’s feelings towards the white community—I’ve never felt like I’ve belonged here. Not at all of race, but more so of morals and perception of life.
Jorge- I understand what you mean by the fear of of life, especially as a teenager about to start a new life in this world. Chelsea- I like how called Arizona an inferno, ha! And does Native Son make you feel better, or worse about your current situation?
I don't think I can draw that many parallels to Bigger's life but I can sympathize with the fact that he draws himself from the game thinking he's not good enough and some of us, including me do that sometimes.
The way my life and Bigger's parallel is in the way that I'm trying to escape an inevitable truth on my own and I have to figure out a way to get through it.
One way I can relate to Bigger, is pretty much in "fear". I fear of the future, and at times fear in my actions and the consequences it comes with. In some aspects, his mother reminds me of my grandma at times, the way she nags at me to work, or to do more to help out my family. I understand his situation where he feels that since his family doesn't understand him or accept him he doesn't feel the urge to help them. But of course, his life is more negative compared to mine, and it challenges my mind set, therefore I do wish to do better in life.
ReplyDeleteNot feeling good enough is certainly a problem. Throughout the first book, Bigger expresses this feeling that he doesn't belong in or is just unwanted by a huge faction of society. Even in his house, Bigger's mother is this antagonizing figure who emasculates him, reminding him he could do better --he should do better.
ReplyDeleteSo.. how does that relate to you Aaron?
ReplyDeleteI can't really say that Bigger's and my life are parallel, but I do find myself in constant fear of what my future will bring. I see Bigger as a violent product of his environment and I definately don't go berserk over trivial things like a white woman being near me. But, his situation does let me see things in a different perspective and strive for a positive outcome in my life.
ReplyDeleteThe way I relate the most to Bigger is in his way of escaping. That way in being: using his pipe dreams to get him through the tough times..Currently, my ultimate dream is to get out of Arizona. I like to fantasize of a world outside of this inferno. Similar to Bigger’s feelings towards the white community—I’ve never felt like I’ve belonged here. Not at all of race, but more so of morals and perception of life.
ReplyDeleteJorge- I understand what you mean by the fear of of life, especially as a teenager about to start a new life in this world.
ReplyDeleteChelsea- I like how called Arizona an inferno, ha! And does Native Son make you feel better, or worse about your current situation?
for some sttrange reason, sometimes when i read the book, it gives me a sense of hoplessness.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I can draw that many parallels to Bigger's life but I can sympathize with the fact that he draws himself from the game thinking he's not good enough and some of us, including me do that sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe way my life and Bigger's parallel is in the way that I'm trying to escape an inevitable truth on my own and I have to figure out a way to get through it.
ReplyDeleteAnd find a healthy escape before it's too late.. like it was for Bigger.
ReplyDelete