is a bad person, which means he is experiencing internalized oppression. Later in the novel, after Richard read some books, he then wants to use the words he has learned as weapons, but he could not, because by him using the words it frightened him. This is internalized oppression, for Richard thinks of the words as something sacred only white people can use. If he did use the words, he feels as though he may get into trouble. Later in the novel, Richard tries to identify himself with a book, but he feels guilty when he does so. Therefore he acts in way so the whites will not dislike him. It is an internal oppression, for he is keeping himself down by not physically expressing his feelings that he has received from the books he has read. All of the above, are examples of which later in the novel, Richard Wright conquers are of internalized oppression. The way Richard Wright overcomes this abstract oppression is reflected upon his personality, which helps him become that great American author. One of the examples to prove this true, occurs when it was Richard’s first day of school. "During that noon hour I learned all the four-letter words describing physiological sex functions, and discovered that I had know them before…A tall black boy recited a long, funny piece of doggerel, replete with filth, describing the physiological relations between men and women, and I memorized it word for word after having heard it but once, "(32). This quote is showing how smart and quick-to-learn Richard is, which is a part of his personality and ability to understand . Another example happens when his Uncle Tom is about to whip Richard, so he shows the razors to his uncle. In a low voice Richard says, " ‘If you touch me, I’ll cut you! Maybe I’ll get cut too, but I’ll cut you, so help me God,’ "(175). This passage is revealing that Richard is rebellious by standing up for himself and confronting his uncle for som...
