Comparison of Sartre's Work and Native Son Themes

In comparing Native Son to other works we have read this semester, I believe it is one of the more complex. The story line of Native Son is somewhat standard and familiar. A black teen is frustrated because his societal and socioeconomic status has been dictated by those at the top of the echelon, that is rich whites. However, the underlying message and themes that Wright includes in the novel are more difficult to comprehend. Obvious theme comparisons can be made to other works we have read with Native Son through a quick facade like examination. For example, when comparing The Sun also Rises both Jake Barnes and Bigger Thomas use action to instill a new sense of life. Jake travels to Europe whereas Bigger turns to violence. In comparing The Great Gatsby to Native Son, both Gatsby and Bigger must d

A second similarity of themes between Sartre’s work and Native Son is when Bigger murders Mary. Throughout his life, Bigger has felt that his actions have reflected on other’s expectations. When Bigger murders Mary, those expectations have been surpassed. Although murder is considered one of the worst crimes, I believe that Wright wanted his main character to be more unique than any other. For Bigger, the act of murder is similar to relinquishing a method of blame. By murdering him, he no longer has to assume that his actions are chosen because of society. This is very similar to throwing away the cross near the end of the novel. Basically, Bigger adopts a variation of Sartre’s philosophy by gaining his “true” existence through understanding and controlling his own actions.

o something spectacular to excel beyond other’s expectation

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