How Is Native Son An Action Of Self Recognition

Most of the discussion regarding Native Son has to do with whether it is an action of self recognition or is it just an act of exaggerated misogyny. In both views the murder of Mary is a means of redefining himself. On the other hand the murder of Bessie is an act that suppresses the female voice. Bigger is under social pressures that lead to a split personality. An assertive one amongst blacks while taking the submissive role amongst whites. This is balanced by two female characters. Mary who makes him submit while he is also able to reign over Bessie. Throughout the book Bigger becomes more unified in his views and personality. This is expressed in the final scene in which he shows is unresolved mixed feelings about racism. Bigger’s masculinity

He has to internalized his turmoil and eventually turns this hate inward. He views his father as both a victim of racism while also blames him for causing the issues in his life. He is emasculated by his mother because he cannot provide. This self internalization turns into self loathing. Other blacks such as Gus experience this when they try to “play white” but eventually realize the situation they are in. Wright shows how racism causes blacks to have split personalities. This causes Bigger to have opposing views of Mary, both as an sexual object but also as a symbol of racial boundaries. He is able to control his mother and Bessie, but Mary is more complicated. Mary makes him feel shame. The murders are both a result of a frustrated manhood. Mary makes the divide between blacks and whites become blurry but Mrs. Dalton brings the divide back instantly. These acts were an act of self control. He gained control of his life in that instant and could finally feel like a man. He asserts himself by dominating women sexually. He rapes Bessie and the imagery of Mary’s murder was sexual in nature. White women are such a taboo because that is the bond that unites white