SECTION B NON-AFRICAN PROSE RICHARD WRIGHT: Native Son 5. Comment on Bigger's last moments with Max. 6. Examine Bigger's visits to Bessie in the novel

Answer Details

5. In Native Son by Richard Wright, Bigger's last moments with Max are significant because Max is the first white man who has treated Bigger as an equal and defended him in court. Max understands Bigger's actions and motives, and he tries to help him see that he is not alone and that he can still make a difference. In their last conversation, Max urges Bigger to take responsibility for his actions and to resist the urge to give up. Max's presence and guidance provide Bigger with a sense of hope and understanding that he has not experienced before.

6. In Native Son by Richard Wright, Bigger's visits to Bessie are fraught with tension and uncertainty. Bigger is torn between his love for Bessie and his fear of getting caught for his crimes. Bessie represents a connection to his past and to his family, but she is also a liability and a reminder of his guilt. Bigger's visits to Bessie highlight the conflicting emotions and desires that he experiences throughout the novel. Bessie's fate also underscores the harsh realities of racism and oppression in society, as she is punished for her association with Bigger and for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Overall, Bigger's visits to Bessie serve as a reminder of the complex and often tragic consequences of his actions.