ly by men like Mr. Dalton, oppressed into always being subservient by occupation, and oppressed by general distrust. In an initial conversation with Mr. Dalton, we see a portrayal of the prevalent white attitude. “They said I was stealing! he blurted defensively. But I wasn’t.” Mr. Dalton is quick to reply, “Are you sure?” He assumed Bigger was lying without any real knowledge of his character because he fit the stereotypical image. Wright continues to batter the reader with events, images, and descriptions of the subjugation that ensues on black America. It is simple cause and effect. “These were the rhythms of his life: indifference and violence; periods of abstract brooding and periods of intense desire; moments of silence and moments of anger-like water ebbing and flowing…” Through Native Son, we are enlightened by the stark realization of oppression and the limited options of those who live under it. His mother had her religion to hide behind and Bessie had her liquor. Bigger refused to hide and suppress his rage after the accidental death of Mary. He had opportunities to make his own choices. Understandably, Bigger choose crime and violence as his outlet. Wright uses a very Marxist model of change. Marxist belief is based upon violent revolution and upheaval to incite social change, destroy boundaries, and arrive at a “new paradigm.” Baldwin’s novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain, supports the idea of oppression as a real and controlling threat. Gabriel’s view reminds the reader of its still powerful existence. “He said that white people were never to be trusted, and that they told nothing but lies, and that not one of them had ever loved a nigger. He, John, was a nigger, and he would find out, as soon as he got a little older, how evil white people could be. John had read about things white people did to colored people; how, in the Sout...
