Black Boy by Richard Wright- theme, and how it is revealed by setting, characterization and plot.

Essay by YisiHigh School, 11th gradeA+, December 2004

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Black Boy is an autobiography of Richard Wright's life during a period of racism and inequality. The theme of this book is the dangerous effects that racism can have on an individual and society. The plot, setting, and the minor and major characters reveal the theme as the novel progresses. Richard Wright is very affected by racism during his time, but he refuses to accept that he must live different than whites. The plot, setting, and characterization try to portray this racial inequality in the south, were Richard must learn to survive in.

The plot and setting contribute a lot to the theme. To begin, the place where Richard Wright was brought up is Memphis where racism is common and people accept it and try to get used to it. Even though many are opposed they have to conform by this rules because none of them is brave enough to stand up.

Racism in the South gets many people killed for no reason. The whites are against any black man/women making a good living and having a prosperous business. The inequality that governs the south makes all the characters go through harsh and tough times for them and their families.

Richard Wright tries to make a living and take care of his family by entering many jobs. In each of this jobs something occurs that he must leave, racism impedes his family to survive. First, his dad leaves him, his brother and his mother alone and hungry. Richard tries to escape this hunger by seeking writing. When he sees he cannot continue to be hungry in the South he moves to Chicago and tries to start anew as a writer. He has to undergo many situations in order to get to the point of success. When he reaches this...