... in an area of the Chicago ghetto called the "Black belt" in the 1930's. Life has been harsh for Bigger and His family. He lives in a dirty and cramped one-room apartment with his mother, and two younger siblings. Bigger once had a father, but he abandoned the family long ago. The Thomas's are on public assistance, and money is extremely tight. Bigger has only gotten to the eighth grade in school, and is unemployed when ... stressful occasions, it explodes in the form of violence. His mother and sister finish dressing and notice a rat scurrying along the wall, they are terrified. The two...

• Word Count: 1657
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... a clear line between acceptable behavior for whites and black's exists. His swift anger and his destructive impulses stem from that fear and become apparent in the opening scene when he fiercely attacks a huge rat. The same murderous impulse appears when his secret dread of the delicatessen robbery impels him to commit a vicious assault on his friend Gus. Bigger commits both of the brutal murders not in rage or anger ... diligently works to protect his client from injustice. The moment Bigger accepts Max's offer to represent him, Max protects his client's interests and insists upon his ...

• Word Count: 1488
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School